Superstar Rajinikanth turns 73, wishes pour in from Indian film industry

Team Udayavani, Dec 12, 2023, 5:12 PM IST

Credit: PTI / File

Superstar Rajinikanth celebrates his 73rd birthday today. According to viral photos on social media, Rajinikanth celebrated his birthday with his wife Latha and daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya.

The makers of the actor’s 170th film will today announce the title of the project.

Born in Bangalore on December 12, 1950, Rajinikanth was the youngest of four children to Ramoji Rao and Jijabai. He, however, lost his mother at the tender age of five.

Challenges at home prompted Rajinikanth to labor-intensive jobs initially, including being a load carrier, later transitioning to a bus conductor. Amidst these struggles, his dream of becoming an actor persisted. Supported by his friend Raj Bahadur, he enrolled in the Madras Film Institute.

His breakthrough arrived with the 1975 film Apoorva Raagangal, where despite not playing the lead, his portrayal in a negative role captured widespread attention and acclaim.

Subsequently, Rajinikanth soared to unprecedented stardom with iconic films like Baasha (1995), Muthu (1995), Sivaji (2007), Enthiran (2010), and Kabali (2016).

#HappyBirthdaySuperstar 💥🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/8leocX7d74

— Christopher Kanagaraj (@Chrissuccess) December 12, 2023

Wishes pour in from Indian film industry

Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Jackie Shroff and Kajol were among some of the cinema personalities who greeted superstar Rajinikanth on his birthday on Tuesday.

The celebrities took to social media to wish the actor on his 73rd birthday.

Haasan shared birthday wishes for his “dear friend” Rajinikanth on X.

“I sincerely wish you to live a happy life reaping success today and forever,” he wrote on the microblogging site.

Dhanush, Rajinikanth’s former son-in-law, was one of the first celebrities to wish the star on social media.

“Happy birthday Thalaiva @rajinikanth,” wrote the actor, who was married to Aishwarya for 18 years.

Jackie Shroff shared a video of himself with Rajinikanth on X and captioned it as: “Happiness Always @rajinikanth.”

“Wishing the Thalaivar many more years of bending bullets and breaking walls in every way possible! @rajinikanth #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth,” Kajol wrote.

Nelson Dilipkumar, who most recently directed Rajinikanth in the hit Tamil film “Jailer”, sent out birthday wishes to “the icon of Indian cinema”.

“#Thalaivar @rajinikanth sir have a great year and keep pushing the bar #superstar thanks for giving a memorable year with #jailer #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth,” the filmmaker wrote.

Malayalam stars Mohanlal and Mammootty also extended their wishes to Rajinikanth.

“Wishing my dear Rajinikanth sir a blessed birthday! As a true embodiment of kindness and humility that inspires millions, here’s to many more healthy and happy years ahead. @rajinikanth,” Mohanlal wrote on X.

“Happy Birthday Dear @rajinikanth! Wishing you a super successful year ahead. Stay healthy and blessed as always,” Mammootty said.

Anirudh Ravichander made a post on X to wish the star. The music composer has scored music for several Rajinikanth films such as “Jailer”, “Darbar”, “Petta” and the actor’s upcoming 170th film

“Happy birthday to the emperor Thalaiva @rajinikanth #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth,” Ravinchander said.

“Wishing the one and only Thalaivar @Rajinikanth sir, a very Happy Birthday. May your charisma continue to inspire for generations,” wrote “RRR” star Jr NTR.

(With PTI inputs)