Superstar Rajinikanth turns 72: Here's what makes the star 'Thalaiva'

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<p>Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday hailed the turn of events in the Karnataka assembly, terming them a "win for democracy".</p>

<p>He also criticised the 15-day time given to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to prove majority on the floor of the house as "mockery of democracy."</p>

<p>Addressing reporters after meeting the women’s wing of his Rajini Makkal Mandram, the actor termed the subsequent developments in Karnataka, wherein BS Yeddyurappa resigned as CM without a floor test, as a “win for democracy”. BJP asking for some more time and Governor giving 15 days time was a mockery of democracy. I would like to thank Supreme Court for its order, which upheld the democracy," Rajinikanth said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, on contesting elections in 2019, the Tamil superstar said the decision will be taken after the elections are announced.</p>

<p>"The decision for contesting elections in 2019 will be taken at the time when the elections are announced. The party is not yet launched, but we are ready for anything. Also, it is too early to talk about any kind of alliance," he added.</p>

<p>Yesterday, the Karnataka government led by BS&nbsp;Yeddyurappa resigned before going in for the floor test in the Vidhan Soudha.</p>

<p>The floor test was to be conducted on the instructions of the Vala after the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance also claimed the right to form the government in the state on the basis of the 117 seats it had as compared to the 104 seats that the BJP had.</p>

<p>On Friday, while hearing a petition of the Congress-JD(S) alliance, the Supreme Court reduced the 15-day original time given by Governor Vala to the BJP to prove its majority in the house and asked the party to hold the trust vote on Saturday at 4 p.m.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">உணர்வுப்பூர்வமான சந்திப்பு .... A very productive discussion with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensWing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensWing</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajiniMakkalMandram?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajiniMakkalMandram</a> today ?? <a href="https://t.co/ylYTDoAAxJ">pic.twitter.com/ylYTDoAAxJ</a></p>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/998096096810315776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On contesting elections in 2019, the Tamil superstar said the decision will be taken after the elections are announced.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday hailed the turn of events in the Karnataka assembly, terming them a "win for democracy". He also criticised the 15-day time given to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to prove majority on the floor of the house as "mockery of democracy." Addressing reporters after meeting the women’s wing of his Rajini Makkal Mandram, the actor termed the subsequent developments in Karnataka, wherein BS Yeddyurappa resigned as CM without a floor test, as a “win for democracy”. BJP asking for some more time and Governor giving 15 days time was a mockery of democracy. I would like to thank Supreme Court for its order, which upheld the democracy," Rajinikanth said. Further, on contesting elections in 2019, the Tamil superstar said the decision will be taken after the elections are announced. "The decision for contesting elections in 2019 will be taken at the time when the elections are announced. The party is not yet launched, but we are ready for anything. Also, it is too early to talk about any kind of alliance," he added. Yesterday, the Karnataka government led by BS Yeddyurappa resigned before going in for the floor test in the Vidhan Soudha. The floor test was to be conducted on the instructions of the Vala after the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance also claimed the right to form the government in the state on the basis of the 117 seats it had as compared to the 104 seats that the BJP had. On Friday, while hearing a petition of the Congress-JD(S) alliance, the Supreme Court reduced the 15-day original time given by Governor Vala to the BJP to prove its majority in the house and asked the party to hold the trust vote on Saturday at 4 p.m. உணர்வுப்பூர்வமான சந்திப்பு .... A very productive discussion with the #WomensWing of #RajiniMakkalMandram today ?? pic.twitter.com/ylYTDoAAxJ — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 20, 2018 ×

Giving 15 days to BJP to prove majority was 'mockery of democracy': Rajnikanth on Karnataka imbroglio

<p>A day after hinting that there could be further delay in the launch of his political party, superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday held a 'constructive' meeting with the office-bearers of a forum named after him.</p>

<p>The 'Kaala' actor met the office-bearers of "Rajini Makkal Mandram" (RMM) (Rajini People's Forum) at his residence here, according to news agency PTI.</p>

<p>A terse tweet along with a couple of photographs put out by the actor described the meeting as 'constructive'.</p>

<p>PTI reported that the&nbsp;forum, formed after Rajinikanth's announcement in December last year that he will launch his own political party, is seen as a prelude to his formal entry into politics.</p>

<p>His contemporary Kamal Haasan has already launched his political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' with all eyes on Rajinikanth's next move.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth yesterday indicated there could be further delay in the launch of his political party, but assured that whenever he floats his own outfit, it would usher in 'good times' for Tamil Nadu and its people.</p>

<p>"I can understand...The media thinks why have I not come to the point and even the fans are thinking so. What to do, the date has not come yet," he had said yesterday at the aduio launch of his upcoming trilingual flick 'Kaala.'</p>

<p>"The date has not come yet.. The time will come and with the blessings of God, good times will come to Tamil Nadu and its people" when he floats his party, he had said.</p>

<p>While announcing his political intentions last year, Rajinikanth had said his party would contest the next state assembly elections from all 234 seats.</p>

<p>Later, in March this year he had said there was a leadership vaccum in the state and he was confident of giving a good administration like late AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">ஆக்கப்பூர்வமான சந்திப்பு ?? <a href="https://t.co/JpaQSx8wAp">pic.twitter.com/JpaQSx8wAp</a></p>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/994481657343180801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


A terse tweet along with a couple of photographs put out by the actor described the meeting as 'constructive'.

A day after hinting that there could be further delay in the launch of his political party, superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday held a 'constructive' meeting with the office-bearers of a forum named after him. The 'Kaala' actor met the office-bearers of "Rajini Makkal Mandram" (RMM) (Rajini People's Forum) at his residence here, according to news agency PTI. A terse tweet along with a couple of photographs put out by the actor described the meeting as 'constructive'. PTI reported that the forum, formed after Rajinikanth's announcement in December last year that he will launch his own political party, is seen as a prelude to his formal entry into politics. His contemporary Kamal Haasan has already launched his political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' with all eyes on Rajinikanth's next move. Rajinikanth yesterday indicated there could be further delay in the launch of his political party, but assured that whenever he floats his own outfit, it would usher in 'good times' for Tamil Nadu and its people. "I can understand...The media thinks why have I not come to the point and even the fans are thinking so. What to do, the date has not come yet," he had said yesterday at the aduio launch of his upcoming trilingual flick 'Kaala.' "The date has not come yet.. The time will come and with the blessings of God, good times will come to Tamil Nadu and its people" when he floats his party, he had said. While announcing his political intentions last year, Rajinikanth had said his party would contest the next state assembly elections from all 234 seats. Later, in March this year he had said there was a leadership vaccum in the state and he was confident of giving a good administration like late AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran. ஆக்கப்பூர்வமான சந்திப்பு ?? pic.twitter.com/JpaQSx8wAp — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 10, 2018 ×

Day after he hints at delay in party launch, Rajini meets forum members

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth is now on Instagram and Facebook and what a grand entry for Thalaivar!</p>

<p>The South Indian star announced his entry on Instagram on March 2 with a single post and in just 24 hours, he gained more than 100,000 likes. The caption of the post read: &quot;Vannakam! Vandhuten nu sollu&quot;&nbsp;which means &#39;Tell them I have arrived&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf0rrl8jUfy/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Vannakam! Vandhuten nu sollu!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rajinikanth/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rajinikanth</a> (@rajinikanth) on <time datetime="2018-03-02T13:51:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 2, 2018 at 5:51am PST</time></p>
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<p>The photo, if you look closely is a popular picture of him from the movie <em>Kabali.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;His Instagram profile has raked in more than 38k followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, he also joined Facebook on March 6 with a post reading: &quot;Vannakam&quot; which means &#39;Hello&#39;&nbsp;in Tamil. The post is currently sitting on more than 5.6k likes and reactions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="171" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRajinikanth%2Fposts%2F1198720236897152&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></p>

<p>In another news, Rajinikanth&#39;s upcoming movie <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kaala-teaser-megastar-rajinikanth-oozes-out-swag-and-downright-rowdyism-34504" target="_blank">Kaala Karikaalan&#39;s teaser</a>&nbsp;was out on March 1, 2018. The intense teaser promised an entertaining gangster drama with some kickass stunts, dialogues and Rajinikanth&#39;s charm.&nbsp;The teaser was complete with Santhosh Narayanan&rsquo;s background score. The film also stars Nana Patekar and Huma Qureshi.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth will also be seen in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-getting-delayed-because-of-cg-work-rajinikanth-28130" target="_blank">TwoPointO </a>with Akshay Kumar which has been delayed several times due to heavy VFX work left.&nbsp;</p>

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He joined Facebook on March 6 and Instagram on March 2

Superstar Rajinikanth is now on Instagram and Facebook and what a grand entry for Thalaivar! The South Indian star announced his entry on Instagram on March 2 with a single post and in just 24 hours, he gained more than 100,000 likes. The caption of the post read: "Vannakam! Vandhuten nu sollu" which means 'Tell them I have arrived'. Vannakam! Vandhuten nu sollu! A post shared by Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) on Mar 2, 2018 at 5:51am PST × The photo, if you look closely is a popular picture of him from the movie Kabali. His Instagram profile has raked in more than 38k followers. Meanwhile, he also joined Facebook on March 6 with a post reading: "Vannakam" which means 'Hello' in Tamil. The post is currently sitting on more than 5.6k likes and reactions. In another news, Rajinikanth's upcoming movie Kaala Karikaalan's teaser was out on March 1, 2018. The intense teaser promised an entertaining gangster drama with some kickass stunts, dialogues and Rajinikanth's charm. The teaser was complete with Santhosh Narayanan’s background score. The film also stars Nana Patekar and Huma Qureshi. Rajinikanth will also be seen in TwoPointO with Akshay Kumar which has been delayed several times due to heavy VFX work left.

Superstar Rajinikanth joins Facebook, Instagram; has more than 38k followers!

<p>Putting an end to speculation about him joining hands with Superstar Rajinikanth to form an alliance, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that there was a hue of saffron in Rajini&#39;s politics and unless that changes, there won&#39;t be any alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at Harvard University, Haasan said,&#39;&#39;Alliance with Rajinikanth is unlikely as of now. He further said &#39;&#39;I hope Rajinikanth&#39;s politics is not saffron.&#39;&#39;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is a hue of saffron in Rajni&#39;s politics. If that doesn&#39;t change then I don&#39;t see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalHaasan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalHaasan</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/UnUpBYLxQ5">pic.twitter.com/UnUpBYLxQ5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962540273006981120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;There is a hue of saffron in Rajini&#39;s politics. If that doesn&#39;t change then I don&#39;t see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different,&#39;&#39; news agency ANI reported quoting Haasan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about forming an alliance with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth recently responded in his inimitable filmy style saying &#39;&#39;only time will answer this question&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haasan is likely to announce his political party&rsquo;s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Christened &#39;&#39;Naalai Namadhe&#39;&#39;, the tour will see the actor-turned-politician crisscrossing the state to take stock of the issues faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let&rsquo;s join hands to build a sustainable village. New TN begins with you. Visit <a href="https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ">https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ</a> to volunteer #naalainamadhe#maiam#TamilPride</p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/962537634437521408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tour will be held in phases. The actor will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram &mdash; his hometown &mdash; and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.</p>

<p>In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. &ldquo;I wish him all the best,&rdquo; 67-year-old had said.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan also greeted &nbsp;Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.&nbsp;<br />
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Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics

Putting an end to speculation about him joining hands with Superstar Rajinikanth to form an alliance, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that there was a hue of saffron in Rajini's politics and unless that changes, there won't be any alliance. While speaking at Harvard University, Haasan said,''Alliance with Rajinikanth is unlikely as of now. He further said ''I hope Rajinikanth's politics is not saffron.'' There is a hue of saffron in Rajni's politics. If that doesn't change then I don't see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different: #KamalHaasan (file pic) pic.twitter.com/UnUpBYLxQ5 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × ''There is a hue of saffron in Rajini's politics. If that doesn't change then I don't see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different,'' news agency ANI reported quoting Haasan. Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics. When asked about forming an alliance with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth recently responded in his inimitable filmy style saying ''only time will answer this question''. Haasan is likely to announce his political party’s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Christened ''Naalai Namadhe'', the tour will see the actor-turned-politician crisscrossing the state to take stock of the issues faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. Let’s join hands to build a sustainable village. New TN begins with you. Visit https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ to volunteer #naalainamadhe#maiam#TamilPride — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 11, 2018 × The tour will be held in phases. The actor will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram — his hometown — and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai. In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. “I wish him all the best,” 67-year-old had said. Kamal Haasan also greeted Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.

There is a hue of 'saffron' in Rajini's politics: Kamal Haasan

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth who recently entered politics said that he is ready to face the election if it happened in the next six months. &nbsp;The actor also welcomed and wished success to Kamal Haasan on his plans to launch a political party on February 21.</p>

<p>&quot;We will be ready,&quot; Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about Haasan&rsquo;s latest move, the superstar said, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect the announcement&rdquo;.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth also said only time would give an answer on whether the two of them would ally in their political journeys.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Let us see as and when we go forward (in politics). Only time will tell,&rdquo;&nbsp;Rajinikanth said.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan on Tuesday night revealed his plans to undertake a state-wide tour from February 21, to understand people&#39;s problems and issues affecting them, starting it from his birthplace Ramanathapuram in south Tamil Nadu. In the first phase of the tour, he will also cover and interact with people in Madurai, Dindigul and Sivaganga districts.</p>

<p>&quot;At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,&quot; Kamal Haasan had said in the statement. &quot;Finally, let&#39;s question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance and welfare for the people of Tamil Nadu. This journey is intended towards that goal,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>&quot;Rajinikanth is for spiritual politics. Mine will be rationalist politics,&quot; actor Kamal Haasan told reporters late on Wednesday evening, after participating in a film function in Chennai.<br />
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"We will be ready," Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months.

Superstar Rajinikanth who recently entered politics said that he is ready to face the election if it happened in the next six months. The actor also welcomed and wished success to Kamal Haasan on his plans to launch a political party on February 21. "We will be ready," Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months. When asked about Haasan’s latest move, the superstar said, “I didn’t expect the announcement”. Rajinikanth also said only time would give an answer on whether the two of them would ally in their political journeys. “Let us see as and when we go forward (in politics). Only time will tell,” Rajinikanth said. Kamal Haasan on Tuesday night revealed his plans to undertake a state-wide tour from February 21, to understand people's problems and issues affecting them, starting it from his birthplace Ramanathapuram in south Tamil Nadu. In the first phase of the tour, he will also cover and interact with people in Madurai, Dindigul and Sivaganga districts. "At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Kamal Haasan had said in the statement. "Finally, let's question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance and welfare for the people of Tamil Nadu. This journey is intended towards that goal," he added. "Rajinikanth is for spiritual politics. Mine will be rationalist politics," actor Kamal Haasan told reporters late on Wednesday evening, after participating in a film function in Chennai.

Ready to face polls even in six months: Rajinikanth

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth who rode to stardom with his unique acting style that cast a spell on people cutting across barriers has come a long way from a humble beginning to his much delayed political plunge.</p>

<p>Shivaji Rao Gaekwad rechristened Rajinikanth on screen is set to unveil his brand new theme of spiritual politics as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious seniors in the industry such as M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, who rose to rule the state after successful film careers.</p>

<p>The 67-year old actor, who has been keeping everyone in suspense on his political entry for the past over two decades, has chosen to make the much-awaited announcement today, saying he would form a party ahead of the next assembly elections.</p>

<p>His political plunge comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is passing through a state of flux with the death of Jayalalithaa last year and wheelchair-bound nonagenarian DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi&#39;s virtual retirement owing to age-related issues.</p>

<p>Born on December 12, 1950, to Ramabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad couple in Karnataka, Rajinikanth tried his hand at several odd jobs before landing as a bus conductor.</p>

<p>To chase his dream of acting, he had quit as a conductor in then Bangalore Transport Service&#39;s &quot;10 A&quot; bus route.</p>

<p>The first movie offer came to him when he was in the Film Institute here where he was spotted by noted director K Balachander, credited with introducing several actors who made it big in filmdom.</p>

<p>He made his celluloid debut in 1975 in Tamil film &quot;Apoorva Ragangal&quot;, a family drama directed by Balachander who gave him the screen name Rajinikanth.</p>

<p>In his very first appearance, Rajinikanth exhibited some uniqueness in doing even the most mundane things like opening a gate with his leg while smoking a cigar, indicating he was a star to reckon with.</p>

<p>He gained immense popularity with his unique style which included popping cigarettes into his mouth with ease and one-liners such as &quot;Idhu eppadi irukku&quot; (How is it?) in his formative years film &quot;16 Vayadhinile&quot;.</p>

<p>After starting with negative image characters, Rajinikanth exploded into the Tamil film world as his potential as a hero came to the surface a few years later.</p>

<p>His fan following kept swelling and scenes of &#39;milk bath&#39; of his life-size cutouts and bursting of crackers became synonymous with the&nbsp;release of his films most of which went on to become box office hits.</p>

<p>A Padma Vibushan awardee, a honour he received last year, Rajinikanth has to his credit over 150 films, including some in Hindi and Telugu.</p>

<p>If movies like &#39;Billa&#39;, &quot;Aarilrundhu Arubathu Varai&#39; and &#39;Murattu Kaalai,&#39; (during his formative first ten years) dramatically improved both his performance and rating as a top hero, later flicks like &#39;Padayappa,&#39; &#39;Annamalai,&#39; &#39;Arunachalam,&#39; helped him become the ultimate &#39;superstar&#39;.</p>

<p>Notably &quot;Muthu,&quot; became a hit even in Japan bringing him Nipponese fans.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s recent super hit films include &#39;Kabali&#39;, &#39;Endhiran&#39;, &#39;Chandramukhi&#39;, and &#39;Shivaji the Boss&#39;.</p>

<p>The cult image he had developed over the years gave away for expectations among his die-hard fans of his political foray though he appeared reluctant apparently knowing that not all matinee idols replicated their reel success in politics.</p>

<p>Top yesteryear star and a contemporary of MGR, Shivaji Ganesan&#39;s debut in politics turned out to be a nightmare as he was trounced in&nbsp;his home Thanjavur District in 1989.</p>

<p>Many of Rajinikanth&#39;s later films were sprinkled with &quot;punch dialogues&quot;, apparently aimed at the masses.</p>

<p>A dialogue in one of his films &quot;Muthu&quot; (1995) which translated &quot;none can predict when and how I will come, but will arrive at the right time&quot; became a rage and further fuelled hopes of his fans.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s other famous punchlines including &quot;En vazhi thani vazhi&quot; (my way is a unique, separate way) (Padayappa), &quot;Andavan solran Arunachalam Seiyaran (God directs me, I do it, -- Arunachalam) contributed immensely to his mass appeal.</p>

<p>For the first time, he had a taste of politics when he famously voiced his opposition to Jayalalithaa in 1996 and conversely supporting the then DMK-led coalition which captured power in the state that year.</p>

<p>Though the actor&#39;s opposition to Jayalalithaa was hyped by his fans as a prime factor for DMK&#39;s success in the hustings in 1996, his declaration that he will vote for the BJP-led front in 2004 Parliamentary polls did not have any bearing.</p>

<p>Rainikanth had said his move to support the front was based on an assurance given by the National Democratic Alliance that it would strive for linking all rivers.</p>

<p>A spiritually inclined person, Rajinikanth has survived a serious ailment in 2011, which he referred to in his ongoing interaction with fans here yesterday and said because of their prayers to God he was alive.</p>

<p>Despite Rajinikanth&#39;s stature, he is not without opposition in Tamil Nadu. Fringe pro-Tamil outfits, oppose him for his Marathi roots and previous Karnataka domicile.</p>

<p>The actor had also often been targeted for allegedly not fighting for the state&#39;s lifeline issues such as Cauvery water row with Karnataka.</p>

<p>Every time, the Cauvery issue erupted, the pro-Tamil outfits used to target him for his &quot;silence,&quot; in the matter.</p>

<p>Seeking to counter such attacks, in 2002 the actor had said he would start a people&#39;s movement the Cauvery issue stressing on interlinking of Himalayan and peninsular rivers.</p>

<p>The actor had also said some months ago said he was a &quot;Pachai Tamilan.&quot; (A pure Tamil).</p>

<p>Pointing to living in Tamil Nadu for over four decades patronised by the people, he had said that his father was born in Tamil Nadu&#39;s Krishnagiri district.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth married a Tamil Brahmin woman Latha and has two daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya, who have also entered the film world as directors.&nbsp;</p>


Born on December 12, 1950, to Ramabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad couple in Karnataka, Rajinikanth tried his hand at several odd jobs before landing as a bus conductor.

Superstar Rajinikanth who rode to stardom with his unique acting style that cast a spell on people cutting across barriers has come a long way from a humble beginning to his much delayed political plunge. Shivaji Rao Gaekwad rechristened Rajinikanth on screen is set to unveil his brand new theme of spiritual politics as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious seniors in the industry such as M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, who rose to rule the state after successful film careers. The 67-year old actor, who has been keeping everyone in suspense on his political entry for the past over two decades, has chosen to make the much-awaited announcement today, saying he would form a party ahead of the next assembly elections. His political plunge comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is passing through a state of flux with the death of Jayalalithaa last year and wheelchair-bound nonagenarian DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's virtual retirement owing to age-related issues. Born on December 12, 1950, to Ramabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad couple in Karnataka, Rajinikanth tried his hand at several odd jobs before landing as a bus conductor. To chase his dream of acting, he had quit as a conductor in then Bangalore Transport Service's "10 A" bus route. The first movie offer came to him when he was in the Film Institute here where he was spotted by noted director K Balachander, credited with introducing several actors who made it big in filmdom. He made his celluloid debut in 1975 in Tamil film "Apoorva Ragangal", a family drama directed by Balachander who gave him the screen name Rajinikanth. In his very first appearance, Rajinikanth exhibited some uniqueness in doing even the most mundane things like opening a gate with his leg while smoking a cigar, indicating he was a star to reckon with. He gained immense popularity with his unique style which included popping cigarettes into his mouth with ease and one-liners such as "Idhu eppadi irukku" (How is it?) in his formative years film "16 Vayadhinile". After starting with negative image characters, Rajinikanth exploded into the Tamil film world as his potential as a hero came to the surface a few years later. His fan following kept swelling and scenes of 'milk bath' of his life-size cutouts and bursting of crackers became synonymous with the release of his films most of which went on to become box office hits. A Padma Vibushan awardee, a honour he received last year, Rajinikanth has to his credit over 150 films, including some in Hindi and Telugu. If movies like 'Billa', "Aarilrundhu Arubathu Varai' and 'Murattu Kaalai,' (during his formative first ten years) dramatically improved both his performance and rating as a top hero, later flicks like 'Padayappa,' 'Annamalai,' 'Arunachalam,' helped him become the ultimate 'superstar'. Notably "Muthu," became a hit even in Japan bringing him Nipponese fans. Rajinikanth's recent super hit films include 'Kabali', 'Endhiran', 'Chandramukhi', and 'Shivaji the Boss'. The cult image he had developed over the years gave away for expectations among his die-hard fans of his political foray though he appeared reluctant apparently knowing that not all matinee idols replicated their reel success in politics. Top yesteryear star and a contemporary of MGR, Shivaji Ganesan's debut in politics turned out to be a nightmare as he was trounced in his home Thanjavur District in 1989. Many of Rajinikanth's later films were sprinkled with "punch dialogues", apparently aimed at the masses. A dialogue in one of his films "Muthu" (1995) which translated "none can predict when and how I will come, but will arrive at the right time" became a rage and further fuelled hopes of his fans. Rajinikanth's other famous punchlines including "En vazhi thani vazhi" (my way is a unique, separate way) (Padayappa), "Andavan solran Arunachalam Seiyaran (God directs me, I do it, -- Arunachalam) contributed immensely to his mass appeal. For the first time, he had a taste of politics when he famously voiced his opposition to Jayalalithaa in 1996 and conversely supporting the then DMK-led coalition which captured power in the state that year. Though the actor's opposition to Jayalalithaa was hyped by his fans as a prime factor for DMK's success in the hustings in 1996, his declaration that he will vote for the BJP-led front in 2004 Parliamentary polls did not have any bearing. Rainikanth had said his move to support the front was based on an assurance given by the National Democratic Alliance that it would strive for linking all rivers. A spiritually inclined person, Rajinikanth has survived a serious ailment in 2011, which he referred to in his ongoing interaction with fans here yesterday and said because of their prayers to God he was alive. Despite Rajinikanth's stature, he is not without opposition in Tamil Nadu. Fringe pro-Tamil outfits, oppose him for his Marathi roots and previous Karnataka domicile. The actor had also often been targeted for allegedly not fighting for the state's lifeline issues such as Cauvery water row with Karnataka. Every time, the Cauvery issue erupted, the pro-Tamil outfits used to target him for his "silence," in the matter. Seeking to counter such attacks, in 2002 the actor had said he would start a people's movement the Cauvery issue stressing on interlinking of Himalayan and peninsular rivers. The actor had also said some months ago said he was a "Pachai Tamilan." (A pure Tamil). Pointing to living in Tamil Nadu for over four decades patronised by the people, he had said that his father was born in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. Rajinikanth married a Tamil Brahmin woman Latha and has two daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya, who have also entered the film world as directors.

Rajinikanth's tryst with spiritual politics in Tamil Nadu

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