The `Sivaji` star, who started as a bus conductor and discovered by veteran director and Dadasaheb Phalke award recipient K Balachander, Rajnikanth later scaled new heights in Tamil cinema. While the early part of his career was marked by negative roles, the actor proved his acting mettle in challenging roles too, such as in `Aarilirinthu Arubathu Varai` and `Mullum Malarum`.
Originally named Sivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajnikanth later took to the action route, with his inimitable style and gimmicks striking an instant chord with the younger audience. Rajnikanth has churned out some of the biggest hits of Tamil cinema and has worked with biggest stars and directors like Kamal Hassan, Mammotty, Maniratnam and Balachander.
However, this year the actor faced a health scare in the form of kidney ailment following which he flew to Singapore for treatment. He fell ill during the shoot of `Raana`, and was admitted to two different hospitals in Chennai earlier. His only appearance in a film this year was in the Shahrukh Khan-starrer `Ra.One`. His upcoming film is `Kochadaiyan`.
Die-hard fans of the star organised special prayers and welfare activities to celebrate his birthday today. Radio channels in the city carried special programmes on the superstar.