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Rajinikanth (Tamil: ரஜினிகாந்த்; born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on 12 December 1950) is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He made his debut as an actor in the National Film Award-winning movie, Apoorva Raagangal (1975) directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers his mentor.

After a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in Tamil films, he gradually rose to become an established film actor. Within a few years of his career, he was claimed to be the "superstar" of Tamil cinema and has since continued to hold a matinee idol status in the popular culture of India.[1] His mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films contribute to his mass popularity and appeal.[1] While working in other regional film industries of India, he also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including in that of the United States. After being paid Indian Rupee ₹26 crore (US$5.9 million) for his role in Sivaji (2007), he became the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.[2][3] Other than acting, Rajinikanth also worked as a producer and screenwriter. Apart from his film career, he is also a philanthropist, spiritualist and serves as an influence in Dravidian politics.

He was bestowed the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, in the year 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema.[1] He was named one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek.[1][4] He was also named by Forbes as the most influential Indian of the year 2010.[5]