Shivaji Rao Gaekwad is Known as Rajnikant is an Indian film actor who works primarily in Tamil Cinema. He has worked as a producer and screenwriter. Hailed as superstar or Thalaivaa (leader), Rajnikant is widely regarded as the most popular actor in South India and he is the highest-grossing actor in Tamil Cinema history. Many cite the reasons for Rajnikant's popularity as coming from larger than life superhero appearance in many films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions.
Rajnikant
- Born: 12 December 1950, Bangalore, Karnataka State, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Film actor, Producer
- Years Active: 1975-Present
- Spouse(s) : Latha Rajnikant (m.1981)
- Children: Aishwarya Soundarya
- Awards: Padma Vibhushan (2016), Padma Bhushan (2000)