Rajinikanth's real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Hard to believe, isn't it? And his mother tongue is Marathi, despite that he hasn't done any films in Marathi.
Published: Mon 12 Dec 2016, 3:00 PM
Last updated: Mon 12 Dec 2016, 6:04 PM
He worked as a bus conductor and worked his way to be idolised in the country as a megastar. Actor Rajinikanth, who turned 66 on Monday, has not forgotten his roots and that helped him to be as down-to-earth as he is, says his daughter Soundarya.
Rajinikanth requested his fans not to celebrate his birthday this year.
"Rajinikanth requests his fans not to celebrate his birthday," his manager Riaz Ahmed tweeted on Friday.
It is believed that Rajinikanth has taken this decision as a mark of respect to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa who passed away on December 5, 2016.
Don't miss this: Superstar Rajinikanth turns 66: A look back at his key roles
On the career front, the 65-year-old actor is busy shooting for Shankar's magnum opus, "2.o".
Apart from his well-known qualities like being down to earth, treating fans and producers alike, there are a few things about him that very few people know.
Rajinikanth's real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Hard to believe, isn't it? And his mother tongue is Marathi, despite that he hasn't done any films in Marathi.
In pictures: Rajinikanth at 66: An epitome of stardom
Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore and went on to study in Madras Film Institute to pursue his acting career, later on. He was provided by some kind of financial assistance by his friend Raj Bahadur to be able to pursue his course in the film institute.
His trademark style of tossing a cigarette has its roots from his early years. Rajnikanth started tossing his cigarettes to impress his seniors in school, for being able to join their gang.
Also read: Narendra Modi wishes Rajinikanth on his birthday
The style came in quite handy when it came to his on-screen appearances too.
Rajinikanth is the only celebrity to attract 150,000 followers on his very first day on Twitter.
He earned only Dh40 during his job as bus conductor and also showed off his acting skills to the passengers in the bus back then.
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He met his wife Lata, when a group of girls had come to interview him during his early days of stardom. Lata was the group leader who fascinated Rajinikanth so much that he proposed to her on the very same day.
He was a chain smoker but had to quit the habit after suffering from an illness.
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As reported by quora.com, Rajinikanth starrer Enthiran is the only Tamil movie that made way into 'Top 50 films from around the world' list in 2010. He was paid Rs 570,000,000 (Dh31,046,982) for the movie which made him the highest paid actor in South India.
With input from IANS, Rajinikanth's official website
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