15 August 1975, In the opening scene of the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander, a young man in tattered clothes walks through a gate to meet his estranged wife. No one could have imagined at the time that this young man would go on to become one of the most astonishing stars of Indian cinema. His name was Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Today, the world knows him simply as Rajinikanth. And on this very day, he marks 50 years in the film industry.
Rajinikanth didn’t begin his career as a hero. In fact, his early appearances on the big screen were often as a villain — menacing and intense in films like 16 Vayathinile, Apoorva Raagangal, Avargal, and Gayathri. It wasn’t until 1977, in the Telugu film Chilakamma Cheppindi and the Tamil film Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri, that he stepped into the role of a protagonist. Then came Billa in 1980 — the Tamil remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don — where his morally grey character helped establish a new cinematic icon.
By the 1980s, Rajinikanth had become South India’s undisputed superstar. A string of box-office hits — Thalapathi, Annamalai, Muthu, and Chandramukhi — catapulted him to nationwide fame. He made forays into Hindi cinema and even flirted with Hollywood. Yet, his characters were never strictly heroic; they were often flawed, conflicted, and deeply human. Be it Sivaji (2007), Kabali (2016), Kaala (2018), or Jailer (2023), Rajinikanth continued to defy formula, portraying protagonists who wrestled with doubt and imperfection.
What set Rajinikanth apart was that he never chased the image of a conventional ‘hero’. Instead, he crafted a legendary persona through his unique style — the way he delivered dialogues, his trademark walk, and his screen presence. His fame reached such cult-like heights that fans would pour milk over giant posters of him before a film’s release — a ritual so widespread it once caused local milk shortages.
Part of his enduring appeal lies in the mystery he has cultivated around himself. Rajinikanth rarely endorses products, gives very few interviews, and since 1995 has refused to officially recognise fan clubs. He has even discouraged public gatherings on his birthday. After a tragic incident in which several fans died during a celebration, he began spending his birthdays in solitude, often retreating to the mountains.
At 74, Rajinikanth’s popularity shows no signs of waning. Following the success of Jailer, anticipation is already sky-high for his upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. In it, he plays a former porter — a role that resonates deeply with his own life story. From bus conductor to screen legend, Rajinikanth was visibly moved as he recently recalled his journey during a public appearance.
After five decades in the industry, Rajinikanth remains far more than just an actor — he is an enigma. His presence on screen continues to promise something rare: a break from the familiar, and a glimpse into something refreshingly new.