Who doesn’t know of Rajnikanth? Any discussions about the ‘best’ actor in India slowly gets pushed into the realm of Rajinikanth vs others. And rightfully so, as he's dominated an entire film industry in a way no one else has. 

Perhaps, MGR (Maruthur Gopala Menon Ramachandran) may be the only one who’s managed to come close to the reverence Rajinikanth enjoys.

In an era where Bollywood was the moneymaker’s industry of choice, he forged a name for himself as Thalaiva in Tamil Cinema, earning love and affection across the globe. 

Here are 6 reasons why Thalaiva will always be one of India’s biggest superstars ever

1. Humble Beginnings 

© Avargal, Kalakendra Movies

Everyone’s beloved Rajinikanth did not come from the world of cinema, he was originally a bus conductor with the Bangalore Transport Service, even working as a coolie prior to this. 

It was K. Balachander who noticed a young Rajinikanth learning the craft at Madras Film Institute. 

2. The Everyman 

© Moondru Mudichu, RMS Productions

While other actors of the time played characters that were more interested in being held on a pedestal, Rajinikanth (like MGR) took up roles that showed the struggles of the ordinary man, who rose to the occasion against all odds. 

He initially made his presence in the Tamil film industry through negative roles in Apoorva Raagangal and Moondru Mudichu. 

3.  A Hero To Root For  

Let’s get it out of the way, Rajinikanth's films have been infamous for over the top action. 

Often called the Indian Chuck Norris, Rajinikanth’s films have spawned an entire genre of satire. Most of the action has been physics-defying and mind-boggling, however, the reason why the audience resonates with such scenes is because it makes them feel empowered. 

He’s rarely shown punching below his weight, he always takes on the bigger evils in society. Even in Baasha, he takes on an entire crowd all by himself. A hero to root for, indeed. 

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4. Off-Screen Persona 

Rajinikanth’s off-screen persona is a stark contrast to the characters he plays in front of the camera. He isn’t pretentious about what he looks like, choosing instead to be simple and humble in his public appearances. 

Often publicly exclaiming, “Nowadays unnatural has become common. I like being myself.”

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5. Midas Touch   

It’s rare that an actor of his age is still able to command a hold on the audience the way he does, but that’s what makes Rajinikanth extraordinary. 

He’s kept up with the times as is evident with Kaala and Kabali. He finds a way to play characters that inspire, even in modern-day cinema. 

While the elder statesmen of Bollywood such as Amitabh Bachchan may have seen their powers wane considerably, Rajinikanth is still going strong. 

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6. Made It Big Despite Bollywood  

© Hum, Dharma Productions

Rajinikanth is no stranger to Bollywood, having made numerous forays into the industry in the 80s with Andhaa Kaanoon, Geraftaar, and Hum to mixed reception. Most actors would have been disheartened by these efforts, not Rajinikanth.  

He came back to the Tamil film industry and ended up building a legacy that has outlasted his contemporaries like Amitabh Bachchan. 

Rajinikanth has been a blessing for the Indian film industry as a whole. While a majority of his body of work might be in Tamil, he still found a way to transcend boundaries in a way only Thalaiva could. 

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