Rajinikanth Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Real Name: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad

Nickname(s): Rajinikanth, Thalaiva, Superstar

Profession(s): Actor, Producer, Screenplay Writer, Philanthropist

Date of Birth: 12 December 1950 (Tuesday)

Age (as of 2024): 74 Years

Birthplace: Bengaluru, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India

Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Religion: Hinduism

Marriage Date: 26 February 1981

Age: 74 Years

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EDUCATION

School: • Acharya Paathshala in Basavanagudi, Bangalore • Vivekananda Balaka Sangha

College: M.G.R Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu

Educational Qualification: Diploma in Acting [1] DC

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″ (173 cm)

Weight (approx.): 75 Kg (165 lbs)

Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 40 Inches – Waist: 33 Inches – Biceps: 12 Inches

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: White (Semi-bald)

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Ramoji Rao Gaekwad (Worked as a police constable) Mother – Jijabai (Homemaker) Brothers – Satyanarayana Rao (Elder), Nageshwara Rao (Elder) Sister – Aswath Balubhai (Elder)

Marital Status: Married

Affairs/Girlfriends: Silk Smitha (Actress) Latha (Producer, Singer)

Wife/Spouse: Latha (M.1981-present)

Children: Son – None Daughters – Aishwarya (born in 1982), Soundarya (born in 1984)

Wife: Latha

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Tamil Film: Apoorva Raagangal (1975) Kannada Film: Katha Sangama (1976) Telugu Film: Anthuleni Katha (1976) Bollywood Film: Andha Kanoon (1983)

Awards/Honours: 2000: Padma Bhushan 2014: Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year 2016: Padma Vibhushan 2021: On 1 April 2021, the Government of India announced the 51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Rajinikanth.

MONEY FACTOR

Cars Collection: • Premier Padmini Fiat • Chevrolet Tavera • Toyota Innova • Ambassador • Honda Civic • Lamborghini Urus • BMW X7 Note: In September 2023, Kalanithi Maran , the chairman of Sun Pictures production house, celebrated the success of the film ‘Jailer’ by presenting Rajinikanth with a BMW X7 as a gift. He brought both a BMW X7 and a BMW i7 EV to Rajinikanth’s residence and asked him to choose between the two. Rajinikanth ultimately opted for the BMW X7. [3] Hindustan Times

Salary: Rs. 40-45 crore/film

Net Worth: Rs. 400 Crore (as of 2024)

OTHER INFORMATION

Address: A bungalow in Poes Garden, Chennai

Hobbies: Travelling, Reading, Gardening

Food: Masala Dosa

Actor(s): Amitabh Bachchan , Kamal Haasan , Sylvester Stallone

Actresses: Rekha , Hema Malini

Film: Veera Kesari (Kannada)

Musician: Ilayaraja

Colour: Black

Book(s): Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki, Amma Vanthal by T. Janakiraman

Politician: Lee Kuan Yew (Former Prime Minister of Singapore)

Social Activist: Anna Hazare

Sport: Cricket

Destination: The Himalayas

Bikes Collection: Suzuki Hayabusa, Suzuki Intruder M1800 RZ

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Born into a Maharashtrian family with roots extending into Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth’s journey began far from the glitz and glamour of cinema. Tragically losing his mother at a tender age, he was primarily raised by his father and elder brothers, instilling in him the values of resilience and family. Before stepping into the world of acting, Rajinikanth navigated through various odd jobs in Chennai and Bengaluru—his roles ranged from being a carpenter to a coolie, even serving as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service, where he earned a modest ₹750 a month. It was during this challenging period that his friend, Raj Bahadur, believed in his potential and supported his ambition by providing funds to enroll in an acting institution in Chennai, paving the way for his future stardom.

With a burning desire to act, Rajinikanth joined the Madras Film Institute, where he honed his craft. A pivotal moment in his nascent career came during a stage performance when he caught the eye of renowned director K. Balachander, who offered him a role in a Tamil film. Although he faced a language barrier, Rajinikanth was determined to master Tamil quickly, showcasing his commitment to his newfound passion. His film debut arrived in 1975 alongside fellow actor Kamal Haasan in “Apoorva Raagangal,” marking the beginning of a transformative career. While initial recognition came through his portrayals of antagonistic roles, it wasn’t until he starred in the Telugu film “Chilakamma Cheppindi” in 1977 that he earned a lead role, setting the stage for future successes.

Rajinikanth’s career skyrocketed with the commercial success of “Billa” in 1980, a Tamil remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s “Don.” His charisma and on-screen persona captivated audiences, and his private life saw a significant change when he met Latha, a college student leading a group of girls interviewing him. Struck by love, he proposed to her on their first meeting. As he continued to ascend in the film industry, Rajinikanth reached a remarkable milestone with his 100th film, “Sri Raghavendra,” where he portrayed the revered Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami. His versatility was further demonstrated when he took on an action-adventure role in “Bloodstone,” his only English-language film, and made cinematic history with “Raaja Chinna Roja,” the first Tamil film to incorporate animation.

A man of principles and compassion, Rajinikanth has used his influence to address social issues, engaging in protests such as a fast in 2002 against the Karnataka government’s water allocation decision and another in 2008 advocating for the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils during the civil war. His talent and dedication were recognized when he became the highest-paid Asian actor in 2007, earning ₹26 crore for “Sivaji.” Rajinikanth’s unique style, exemplified by his iconic cigarette toss, has become legendary, a trick he perfected as a schoolboy to impress his seniors. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the first Indian actor to feature in films across multiple formats, including black & white, color, animated, and 3D.

With an enduring legacy, Rajinikanth remains a revered figure, celebrated by fans who honor his birthday, December 12, as “World Style Day.” His humble nature and simplicity, contrasting with his god-like status in South India, reflect a man grounded in his roots. His commitments extend beyond acting; he owns the Raghavendra Mandapam marriage hall in Chennai and has even taken steps to repay losses incurred by distributors from his unsuccessful films. In 2023, he emerged once again as India’s highest-paid actor, receiving a staggering ₹210 crores for his role in “Jailer.” Rajinikanth’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an icon of Indian cinema is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the indelible mark he has left on the film industry and society.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.