Rajinikanth is the definition of superstardom in South India. He has etched his name in the hall of fame of Tamil cinema with numerous blockbuster hit films and a huge fanbase. The superstar's style and charisma on-screen have elevated him to a god-like persona worshipped by lakhs by fans.

But, this enormous South Indian star was born as Shivaji Rao to a Marathi family in Bangalore. How did Shivaji Rao turn into Rajinikanth?

It was the legendary director K. Balachander who launched Shivaji Rao's acting career by casting him in 'Apoorva Ragangal' alongside Srividya and Kamal Haasan. Shivaji Rao was given the screen name Rajinikanth. The director was inspired by a character in his earlier film Major Chandrakanth. The rest is history.

Since the star was named on Holi at the time (27 March), he made it a point to contact K. Balachander on that day every year in the initial stages of his career. It's surprising how the name inspired by a character has now turned into a phenomenon, Rajinism.

What do you think about the inspiration behind Thalaivar's name? Let us know in the comments...

Source: The Hindu
Photo Credit: The News Minute & Indiaglitz