Even after starring in 150-plus films — most of them blockbusters, Superstar Rajinikanth continues to play the protagonist at the age of 73.
Published Dec 12, 2023 | 5:59 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2023 | 5:59 PM
Superstar Rajinikanth. (X)
Stars may come and perish, but none can match the swag of Superstar Rajinikanth. He is someone who defied the conventions of being a film star.
Even after starring in more than 150 films — a significant number of them being blockbusters, he continues to play the “hero” even at the age of 70.
The countless fans that he amassed throughout his 40-plus years of film career is itself an insurmountable achievement for any actor.
As the veteran actor celebrates his 73rd birthday on Tuesday, 12 December, his fans switched to celebration mode on social media. Several hashtags with his name and his movies kept trending on Twitter.
Here we look into some of Rajinikanth’s old Telugu flicks which fans love to relish at any given time:
After his first movie in Tamil Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Rajinikanth did a Kannada film Katha Sangama (1976). It was with Balachander’s directorial Anthuleni Katha that the Superstar was introduced to Telugu audiences in 1976.
Initially frightening audiences with villainous roles, Rajinikanth, in 1977, acted in a total of 15 films. A majority of the films featured the Superstar in negative characters.
He initially gained recognition as a villain before achieving a series of successes in protagonist roles. The films released in the 80s and 90s became trendsetters at the box office.
Back in those days, almost all his works were pan-South Indian films. Irrespective of region, all his films would get dubbed in Telugu.
Dhalapathy (1991), Narasimha (1991), Basha (1995), Muthu (1995), Pedarayudu (1995), and Arunachalam (1997) gained great popularity in Telugu as well.
Films like Chandramukhi (2005), Shivaji (2007), and Robot (2010) achieved widespread sensation further increasing Rajinikanth’s stature.
In the film industry, garnering popularity requires more than just talent. Celebrities need to exhibit qualities in their personal lives that strike a chord with the audience. Only then does admiration truly grow.
If you enjoy the way an actor performs, you’ll appreciate the expression in his/her eyes. If you like his/her personality, you’ll feel a connection to his/her thoughts. Rajinikanth embodies these qualities.
Despite being a huge star, Rajinikanth chooses to live a simple life.
He often visits his childhood friends’ houses, spends time with them, and occasionally heads to the Himalayas seeking knowledge.
Regardless of his immense success as a film star, Rajini’s fans love him even more for his philosophy of staying humble and rooted.
