As December 12 marks Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday, the moment feels especially meaningful. It’s not just a milestone, it’s a celebration of a journey that has shaped cinema, culture, and the hearts of millions for over five decades.
Why do generations still imitate his hair flip, walk, or that unmistakable look? Because Rajinikanth didn’t just act. He created experiences. He carried hope, charisma, and a kind of cinematic magic that made audiences believe in the impossible. His signature sunglasses, effortless mannerisms, and iconic screen presence didn’t just define an era, they became a part of our collective memory.
To honour this legacy, let's have a look at the artistes who grew up admiring him, learning from him, and, in many ways, becoming who they are because of him.
For actor Manikandan K (Jai Bhim, Good Night, Lover), the fascination began early. A single shot, Rajini lighting a matchstick with nothing, but his gaze was enough to convince a young child that magic was real. “I believed he could actually do it,” he recalls. “Even now, as an adult, I enjoy those moments just as much. Rajini sir has always had that power to make us believe.”
Actor Kanna Ravi, who recently shared screen space with Rajinikanth in Coolie, says his admiration formed long before he ever entered the film industry. “It was the style, the swag, the aura. I copied his mannerisms even before I understood what acting was,” he says. Over time, that admiration matured. “Beyond the stardom, his positivity shaped me. His speeches, his patience, the joy he carries… I learned so much from him. He taught me as much as my parents did.”
For actor-filmmaker Rahul Ravindran, Rajinikanth is intertwined with childhood itself. “He represents my earliest memories of cinema,” he shares. “Watching his films in theatres felt like a festival. Over the years, I grew to admire not just the star, but the actor, one of the most honest performers on screen. I’m grateful to live in the era of his films.”
Admiration for Rajinikanth didn’t stop within India. Jackie Chan, who has expressed his fondness for Tamil cinema, is said to have watched Kabali immediately upon release. Their mutual respect is a testament to Rajinikanth’s impact that transcends borders.
Even contemporary stars have grown up with Thalaivar’s influence. Vijay once recalled Rajinikanth calling himself a horse that always rises after a fall, a line Vijay says continues to inspire him. Sivakarthikeyan, a lifelong fan, admits that Annamalai was so influential during his childhood that it once made him want to become a cowherd. “His films shaped our dreams,” he laughs. “Life truly came full circle for me.”
Across generations and geographies, one truth remains unchanged: Rajinikanth isn’t just a star. He’s an emotion. A memory. A phenomenon that continues to inspire.
Stars rise and fade, but one line feels truer today than ever: Thalaivar is eternal.
Image Credit : The Hindu , Cinema Express
