New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm birthday greetings to the legendary actor Rajinikanth as he marks his 75th birthday. Modi emphasized that Rajinikanth's extraordinary performances have charmed audiences across generations and garnered immense respect.

Modi took to the social media platform X, stating, “Warm wishes to Thiru Rajinikanth Ji on his 75th birthday. His performances have enchanted generations and earned significant admiration. His diverse body of work consistently sets new standards in the film industry.”

He further noted, “This year is particularly significant as he celebrates 50 years in cinema. I pray for his long and healthy life.”

Known as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth is a towering figure in Indian cinema. His distinctive mannerisms, engaging screen presence, and unique dialogue delivery have won him a massive fanbase. Apart from acting, he has also made notable contributions as a screenwriter, producer, and playback singer.

Originally hailing from Karnataka, Rajinikanth started his career as a bus conductor with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation before venturing into films. He actively participated in stage plays during this time to cultivate his passion for acting and hone his skills.

Born on December 12, 1950, to Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, a police constable, and Ramabai, a homemaker, he tied the knot with Latha Rangachari on February 26, 1981, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. They are proud parents to two daughters, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth's acting career commenced with the Tamil film 'Apoorva Raagangal' in 1975, which won three National Film Awards, including Best Tamil Feature Film. His second film, 'Katha Sangama' (1976), was an experimental venture crafted in the new-wave style. From that point on, Rajinikanth's trajectory soared, with numerous early films like 'Moondru Mudichu', 'Baalu Jenu', 'Mullum Malarum', 'Chilakamma Cheppindi', 'Garjanai', and 'Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri' still celebrated for their powerful performances.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rajinikanth's iconic cigarette flips, punch dialogues, and effortless charm transformed him into a cultural phenomenon. Movies such as 'Billa' (1980), 'Moondru Mugam' (1982), and 'Padikkadavan' (1985) solidified his status as one of India's most bankable stars. His knack for elevating even the simplest scenes into unforgettable moments earned him the moniker “Superstar,” a title that continues to resonate today.

The 1990s were a defining era for Rajinikanth, with blockbuster films like 'Annamalai' (1992), 'Baashha' (1995), 'Muthu' (1995), and 'Padayappa' (1999). His role as Manikkam in 'Baashha' became a legendary aspect of Indian pop culture. Notably, 'Muthu' achieved unprecedented success in Japan, overshadowing several Western stars and broadening Rajinikanth's international appeal.

After a brief period of experimentation in the early 2000s with 'Baba', he made a resounding comeback with 'Chandramukhi' (2005), a record-breaking blockbuster. This was followed by 'Sivaji' (2007), the sci-fi masterpiece 'Enthiran' (2010), and its sequel '2.0' (2018), all of which raised the bar for technical excellence in Indian cinema. With each release, Rajinikanth demonstrated that his star power could transform any movie into a significant cinematic event celebrated by fans worldwide.

Having received prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Rajinikanth's contributions to film have garnered unparalleled recognition. Yet, beyond accolades, his true legacy is rooted in his humility, spirituality, and the deep connection he shares with his fans. Rajinikanth stands as one of the most influential figures in Asian entertainment—a superstar whose fame is grounded in simplicity.