At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, cinema icon Rajinikanth received a Lifetime Achievement Award, marking 50 years of his career. The 74-year-old actor was accompanied by his wife Latha and daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented Rajinikanth with a shawl and memento during the ceremony.

Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Rajinikanth's daughter, shared an emotional note and heartfelt photos from the event. The superstar's family moments and fan tributes were also celebrated at the festival.

Rajinikanth dedicated the award to the cinema industry and the Tamil people. He expressed his gratitude and said that the honor belonged to everyone in the film industry and especially to the Tamil people, whom he referred to as the "gods" who have sustained him.

In his speech, Rajinikanth reflected on his journey, stating that his 50 years in cinema felt like only 10 or 15 years because of his love for cinema and acting. He added that even if he were to have 100 more lives, he would still want to be born as an actor, as Rajinikanth. "Fifty years of acting in cinema have felt like just 10 or 15. If I have 100 more lives, I would choose to be born as an actor, and as Rajinikanth," he said.

Earlier in the festival, Rajinikanth's film 'Lal Salaam,' directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, was screened. Aishwarya expressed her happiness and pride over the film's premiere at the festival. 'Lal Salaam', a Tamil-language sports action drama produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the Lyca Productions banner, was released in 2024.

The 56th edition of IFFI concluded on November 28, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals from around the world to celebrate achievements in Indian and world cinema. The festival also honored the centenary years of legendary figures such as Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury.