Rajinikanth: 50 Years in Indian Films, From Bus Conductor to Superstar

 Rajinikanth: 50 Years in Indian Films, From Bus Conductor to Superstar

From Bus Conductor to Superstar: Rajinikanth’s 50 Years in Films

Rajinikanth, one of India’s biggest film stars, has completed 50 years in the movie industry. At 74, his journey from a poor boy in Bangalore to a global superstar is nothing short of inspirational.

Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor before joining the Madras Film Institute. In 1975, filmmaker K. Balachander gave him his first role in Apoorva Raagangal. Since then, he has acted in around 170 films, mainly in Tamil, but also in Hindi and other languages.

His latest movie Coolie (released on 14 August 2025) partly mirrors his own life — a working-class hero fighting against injustice. Known for his unique style, charisma, and larger-than-life roles, Rajinikanth’s movies turn into festivals for fans. Many even build temples for him, offer prayers, and celebrate his releases with milk showers, fireworks, and music.

Rajinikanth has played all kinds of roles — from villains to action heroes to spiritual leaders. Films like Billa, Muthu, Sivaji, and Enthiran became huge hits, even gaining popularity in countries like Japan. His appeal crosses all boundaries of language, class, and geography.

Fans admire not just his on-screen persona but also his humility and generosity in real life. Over the years, he has received India’s top honours like the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Vibhushan.

For many, Rajinikanth is not just an actor — he’s an emotion, a symbol of hope, and proof that with hard work and talent, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to legendary status.

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