Treated as a god by his zealous fans.
By Akanksha Warrier
MUMBAI: From working as a bus conductor in Karnataka to being one of the highest earning actors in Asia, Tamil megastar Rajnikanth has conquered the hearts of millions. Directors cannot ‘kill off’ his character in the movie for the fear that the theater will be burnt down by ‘crazed’ fans who consider him almost a god. His fans conduct poojas on huge cutouts of Rajnikant just before the launching of his films to ensure his success.
On August 18, 2014, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad aka Rajnikanth completed four decades in acting, providing invaluable contribution to Indian cinema.
He made his debut in Katha Sangama (1975) and became a star with Apporva Raagangal (1975). The Kochadaiiyaan actor had to face a lot of hardship in initial years, when he started off as an antagonist. Be it the sadistic husband of Sujatha in Avargal or the wolf in sheep’s clothing in Moondru Mudichu or the lust-filled village rowdy in Bharathiraja’s 16 Vayadhinile, Rajnikanth was the villain the people loved to hate.
Rajnikanth firmly captured the vacant, action-hero slot in Tamil movies with a series of movies where he routinely bashed up the bad guys who had done him injustice in one way or the other. With his unique style and persona, action was what the fans expected from a Rajni movie and action was what he gave them.
The “thalaiva” celebrated his 40th year in the film industry on August 18. He cut a special cake sponsored by the team of his forthcoming Tamil movie Lingaa.
The superstar cut the cake in Theertahalli, Shimoga district, in Karnataka. Sonakshi Sinha, the female lead of Lingaa, shared the excitement on Twitter.
Sonakshi along with posting a picture of the cake also wrote, “40 years of entertaining ppl like a boss! I was just part of a historic celebration! Congrats @SuperstarRajini sir!”
The Lingaa team is currently shooting in Shimoga. The filming which started last week and the film unit will be shooting key portions for the next 20 to 25 days in and around Theertahalli and Jog falls.
The movie which kick-started in May in Mysore, has completed a schedule in Hyderabad recently. The movie is directed by KS Ravikumar and produced by famous producer Rockline Venkatesh. It will release on December 12 to coincide with the superstar’s birthday.