Chennai: He has kantham (magnet) in his name itself! When late filmmaker K. Balachander discovered Sivaji Rao Gaekwad, a bus conductor from Bengaluru, rechristened him Rajinikanth and introduced him in his 1975 movie Aboorva Raagangal, little did anyone guess that this ‘magnetic man’ with his inimitable style and dialogue delivery would one day become the superstar of Indian cinema.

To put it in the words of one of his innumerable fans, “Magnet can attract iron... but Rajini can attract the magnet itself........ .” Affectionately called Thalaivaa, it is 40 years since the star who achiveds demigod status in the country entered the film industry on August 18 in 1975. 

Born in a Marathi family as the fourth son of the Ramoji Rao- Rama Bai couple as Sivaji Rao Gaekwad, he resigned his job as a conductor and came to Chennai with a passion for Tamil cinema. He joined the acting course at the film institute operating at the film chamber premises.

No big actor was addressed as superstar till 1978. It was Rajinikanth who was given this prefix after he turned a solo hero in the 1978 flick Bhairavi. Till today, he retains the title, having acted in more than 170 films in all south Indian languages, Bollywood, and even a Hollywood flick Blood Stone. The 64-year multi-talented actor has received the Padma Bhushan and Kalaimani honors. 

No other contemporary star has the credit of being part of the black and white era, color, 3D and motion capture technology except for Rajinikanth. He also remains the highest paid Asian actor till date. 

He presently signed a film, Kabali, under Ranjith’s direction and produced by Kalaipuli Thanu. Tweeples across the world are celebrating the successful 40 years of Rajinikanth and quirky digital posters of Rajini adorn cyber space.

Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle