- Real Name: Rajinikanth’s real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. He adopted the stage name “Rajinikanth” on the advice of his director, K. Balachander, during the early days of his acting career.
- Bus Conductor to Superstar: Before entering the film industry, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore Transport Service (BTS). His humble beginnings as a bus conductor stand in stark contrast to his superstar status today.
- Love for Marathi: Rajinikanth hails from a Marathi-speaking family, and he takes pride in his Marathi roots. Although he predominantly works in Tamil cinema, he has expressed his love for the Marathi language on multiple occasions.
- Cool as a Cucumber: Rajinikanth’s signature sunglasses, styled walk, and calm demeanor on-screen have earned him the nickname “Thalaivar,” which means “The Leader” or “The Boss” in Tamil.
- Philanthropy: The superstar is known for his philanthropic work. He has donated generously to various charitable causes, including educational institutions and relief organizations.
- Unique Dialogue Delivery: Rajinikanth’s dialogue delivery style is legendary. He often uses punchy one-liners, which have become iconic and are eagerly awaited by his fans in each of his films.
- Spiritual Side: Rajinikanth is deeply spiritual and follows spiritual leader Raghavendra Swami’s teachings. He is known to visit the Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan in Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh, to seek blessings.
- Adventurous Stunts: Despite his age, Rajinikanth is famous for performing his stunts without the use of body doubles. His daredevil action sequences continue to impress audiences worldwide.
- International Recognition: Rajinikanth’s fame extends beyond Indian borders. He has a significant fan following in countries like Japan and has been honored with a wax statue at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London.
- Honorary Titles: Rajinikanth has received several honorary titles from various organizations and state governments in recognition of his contributions to cinema and society.
These lesser-known facts about Rajinikanth add depth to his larger-than-life persona and showcase the multifaceted aspects of this iconic actor and human being.
