Rajnikanth

Who is Rajnikanth?

Rajinikanth is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He has won six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards—four Best Actor Awards and two Special Awards for Best Actor—and a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award. In addition to acting, Rajinikanth has also worked as a producer and screenwriter. Apart from his film career, he is also a philanthropist, spiritualist, and serves as an influence in Dravidian politics. He is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour.

Born and raised in Bangalore, Rajinikanth struggled with an impoverished lifestyle during his childhood. He began acting in plays while working in the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation as a bus conductor. In 1973, he joined the Madras Film Institute to pursue a diploma in acting. Following his debut in K. Balachander's National Film Award-winning Apoorva Raagangal, his acting career commenced with a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in Tamil films.