Rajinikanth

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (born on December 12, 1949),best known by his stage name Rajinikanth , is an Indian film actor. He received India’s third highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, for his contribution to Indian cinema. Other than acting, Rajinikanth worked as a screenwriter, film producer, and also a playback singer. Apart from his film career, he is a philanthropist and also serves as an influence in the politics of Tamil Nadu.
Rajinikanth debuted as an actor in 1975 under the direction of K. Balachander in supporting roles. He was later favored in portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. He also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including American cinema. He was paid Rs. 26 crore  as of January 2009) for Sivaji: The Boss, plus 40 % share in the movie, making him the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.
Rajinikanth
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
December 12, 1949 (1949-12-12) (age 59)
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Other name(s) Rajni, Superstar
Occupation Film actor
Years active 1975-present
Spouse(s) Latha Rajinikanth
(1981-present)
Early life
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad into a Marathi family in Bangalore, India. He was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad, a police constable. He lost his mother at the age of five. He attended elementary school at the Acharya Paathshala in Basavanagudi, Bangalore and then at the Vivekananda Balaka Sangha. Rajinikanth struggled a lot during his early age because of his family’s low income. Although his mother-tongue is Marathi, he has not yet acted in any Marathi films.
He worked with various jobs in Bangalore and also attended a theatre for stage plays. Before starting his career in the film industry, he used to practice stunts at the Rama Hanuman Temple at a hill near his house. He then primarily worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service in Bangalore. His charisma and style were noted by the passengers who travelled with him and gave him suggestions in becoming an actor. It was during this time that he nurtured his acting interests by performing in various stage plays
Personal life
He married Latha Rangachari, on February 26, 1981, at the age of 31 in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh and they have two daughters named Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth. His wife, Latha Rajinikanth currently runs a school named The Ashram. His elder daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth married actor Dhanush on November 18, 2004 and they have one son named Yathra. His second daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth, works in the film industry as a director, producer and graphic designer.
Notable filmography
Year Title Role(s) Language Notes
1975 Apoorva Raagangal  Tamil 
1976 Moondru Mudichu  Tamil 
1977 16 Vayathinile Parattai Tamil 
1978 Mullum Malarum Kali Tamil 
1979 Ninaithale Inikkum  Tamil 
1980 Billa Billa,
Raja Tamil Portrayed a dual role
Johnny Johnny Tamil 
Murattu Kalai Kalaiyan Tamil 
1981 Thee  Tamil 
Thillu Mullu Indran,
Chandran Tamil Portrayed a dual role
1982 Moondru Mugam Alex Pandian,
Arun,
John Tamil Portrayed three roles
1984 Nallavanuku Nallavan  Tamil 
1984 Sahodarara Savaal  Kannada 
1985 Sri Raghavendra Raghavendra Swami Tamil 
1991 Thalapathi Surya Tamil 
1992 Annamalai Annamalai Tamil 
1995 Baasha Manick Baasha Tamil 
Muthu Muthu,
Ejamaan Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
Portrayed a dual role
1997 Arunachalam Arunachalam Tamil Portrayed a dual role
1999 Padayappa Aaru Padayappan Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
2002 Baba Baba Tamil 
2005 Chandramukhi Dr. Saravanan,
Vettaiyan Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
Portrayed a dual role
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Sivaji Arumugam Tamil Nominated: Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award
2010 Endhiran Vaseegaran Tamil Filming