Rajinikanth, fondly known as "Super Star Rajini", is the most popular Tamil movie star ever. He was rated as one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek . Born in Karnataka, India, on December 12 1950, he started his career in the film industry from humble beginnings as a bus conductor in Bangalore.

He made his debut in the movie Apoorva Raagangal, as a dying cancer patient, and followed it up with the role of a cruel womanizer, in Mundru Mudichu, that fetched him wide recognition. Then movies like 16 Vayadhinile, Bhuvana oru kelvikuri, Moondru muham took him to the top slot. In the film 16 Vayadhinile he shared the screen with Kamal Haasan, another popular Tamil actor. In 1980s he became the Superstar and continue to be celebrated by the masses till now.

Rajinikanth is very popular for his flamboyant dialogue delivery and characteristic mannerisms. Among his most successful movies are Baasha, Thalapathi, Annamalai, Padayappa, Muthu, Thillu Mullu, Mullum Malarum and Moondru Mugam. Strangely, Rajinikanth is also extremely popular with moviegoers in Japan.

Off screen, Rajinikanth has played a role in Indian politics as well. In 1996, he was instrumental in the election defeat of J. Jayalalithaa, the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Amidst speculations about him contesting elections, he continues to act in films.

His latest movie is Chandramukhi which is to be released on 2005. The movie has created immense hype amongst people. This movie is expected to become a box office hit as normally all Rajini movies do.

Family

His family consists of Latha Rajnikanth his wife. They have two daughters Aishwarya and Sowndarya. Recently Aishwarya married the famous young Tamil movie star Dhanush on November 18, 2004.

Links

• Cinesouth's List of Tamil movies Rajinikanth acted, produced and written screenplay
• IMDB Bio