In the realm of Indian cinema, where youthful exuberance often reigns supreme, one name stands out for defying age-related norms and achieving unparalleled success: Rajinikanth. At 60, when many actors consider slowing down, Rajinikanth delivered a box office phenomenon that not only surpassed the achievements of his younger contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan during their peak but also created the highest-grossing Indian film at the time.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth's journey from a humble bus conductor to a cinematic icon is nothing short of legendary. His unique style, mannerisms, and on-screen charisma have earned him a devoted fan base that transcends geographical boundaries. With over 170 films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Malayalam, he is one of the most successful and popular actors in Indian film history.
While Rajinikanth has starred in numerous commercially successful films throughout his career, it was during his 60s that he achieved a milestone that solidified his place in Indian cinematic history. In 2010, at the age of 60, Rajinikanth starred in "Enthiran" (Robot), a science fiction thriller directed by S. Shankar. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹290 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Indian film at the time. In "Enthiran," Rajinikanth played dual roles, portraying both a scientist and an android. The film's success was attributed to its innovative storyline, special effects, and Rajinikanth's captivating performance.
Several factors contributed to Rajinikanth's box office triumph, even at an age when many of his contemporaries were still considered to be in their prime. First, Rajinikanth has cultivated a unique and charismatic on-screen persona that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. His ability to blend action, comedy, and drama seamlessly has made him a favorite among moviegoers. Second, Rajinikanth has a strong understanding of the pulse of the audience and consistently chooses roles that align with their expectations. He has an innate ability to connect with the common man, often portraying characters who champion the underdog and fight against injustice. Third, Rajinikanth has always been open to experimenting with different genres and technologies, and has starred in black and white, color, 3D and motion capture films. His willingness to embrace new challenges has kept him relevant and exciting to audiences.
Rajinikanth's success serves as an inspiration to actors of all ages, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to talent, charisma, and dedication. He has proven that with the right combination of skill, hard work, and a deep understanding of the audience, it is possible to achieve unparalleled success at any stage of one's career. Today, at 74, Rajinikanth continues to dominate the Tamil film industry, with recent films like "Jailer" and upcoming projects generating massive anticipation. His enduring box office pull remains unmatched, proving that the "Superstar" is here to stay.
