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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
50 years of Rajinikanth: When the Tamil superstar said he would be an underworld don, if not an actor
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is 74, and on 15 August, it will be 50 years since the actor debuted in the 1975 K Balachander film Apoorva Raagangal. Everyone knows how he once worked as a coolie, and even a bus conductor before making it big in films. But in a 2010 interview with The Telegraph India, Rajinikanth revealed that he would've been an underworld don if not for being an actor. (Also Read: Lakshmi Manchu on 50 years of Rajinikanth: 'One should pray for the kind of friendship he has with my dad Mohan Babu') Rajinikanth has played an underworld don on-screen but says he would've been one off screen too. Rajinikanth would've been an underworld don Rajinikanth spoke to the publication after the resounding success of the 2010 Shankar film Enthiran, which saw him in dual roles as a scientist and a robot. The actor, one of the highest-paid stars in the country, had not taken any salary for the film. After its success, he took a share of the profits, with the report mentioning how his 'tijori was full'. 'I told them, you give it to me later. Later, of course, I took,' he said. However, the actor wasn't always laughing his way to the bank and had his share of struggles before he bought that coveted home in Poes Garden, Chennai. He once said that if not for an actor, he would've become a smuggler because he wanted to earn money by any means. When reminded of it, the actor doubled down and said he also considered being a don. He said, 'Yes, that is correct, an underworld don. But that phase is over, I've made enough money!' Interestingly, while Rajinikanth is the don who wasn't, he has played the character of a don on screen in the 1980 film Billa, the 1985 film Baashha, and the 2016 film Kabali. 50 years of Rajinikanth It's no mean feat that Rajinikanth, who began his career by playing villains or supporting roles, is still going strong as a hero 50 years after he began in films. Numerous celebrities, including Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Mammootty, Mohanlal and others, congratulated the actor on the milestone. His latest film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was released on 14 August, breaking several box office records on its opening day.
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Rajinikanth's top 7 mass films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres
Rajinikanth's top 7 mass films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres August 11, 2025 The ultimate Superstar of South Indian cinema, Rajinikanth, has delivered many blockbuster films filled with action, power, and iconic dialogues. Here are his 7 films to watch before 'Coolie' hits theatres. This action-packed film was about an orphan who was raised in slums and befriended a local don to fight for the rights of the poor. However, his life changed when he met his birth mother. Thalapathi (1991) This action film followed a humble auto driver who hid his past as an underworld don. However, his old self returned when his family faced troubles. The film was a massive hit and ran for nearly 15 months in theaters. Baashha (1995) This film was an intense family drama filled with powerful dialogue and emotions. The story revolved around a mechanical engineer who lost his home and family honour, but he rebuilt his life with struggles. Padayappa (1999) This film was about an NRI software engineer. He tried to establish a non-profit trust with a series of hospitals and schools; however, he faced corruption at every point. It was the highest-grossing Tamil film that year. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) This was a sci-fi film, starring Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth. The film follows a scientist who creates a unique robot, and both roles are played by Rajnikanth himself. Enthiran (2010) This story was about a hostel warden with a hidden dark past. His true identity was revealed when he became the target of a dreaded politician and his son. Petta (2019) This film was about a retired jailer who went back into the dangerous world of crime when his son went missing. Jailer (2023)
India Today
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Rajinikanth's classic Baashha to re-release in theatres ahead of Coolie
As anticipation builds for Rajinikanth's next big release, 'Coolie', fans have more to celebrate with the re-release of his iconic 1995 film 'Baashha'. Marking its 30th anniversary and the 60th year of Sathya Movies, 'Baashha' is set to return to cinemas on July by Suresh Krissna and bankrolled by R M Veerappan under Sathya Movies, 'Baashha' is often hailed as one of the most influential films in Tamil commercial cinema. The film stars Rajinikanth in one of his most celebrated roles, alongside Nagma and Raghuvaran, and tells the story of an unassuming auto-driver who hides a powerful past as a feared music composed by Deva, the film's songs and background score remain iconic to this day. 'Baashha' was a massive box office success at the time and has since achieved cult status, influencing a generation of filmmakers and becoming a benchmark for mass entertainers. The film's re-release has been a long-standing demand from fans, especially with the rising trend of classic re-releases. The updated version, restored in 4K with Dolby Atmos, promises a cinematic experience that aims to recapture the magic of 'Baashha' on the big screen for a new generation of the trailer of the iconic Tamil film: Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also gearing up for the release of 'Coolie', directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The big-budget action drama features a star-studded cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Aamir Khan in a special cameo. Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie is set to hit theatres on August 14, clashing with 'War 2', starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR.- EndsMust Watch
Pink Villa
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
When Rajinikanth met his ‘first love' while working as bus conductor in Chennai who pushed him for acting
Rajinikanth needs no introduction. The veteran star has left a benchmark on Indian cinema with his successful, decades-long career. The 70-year-old actor who continues to shine as one of the most legendary stars once made a rare revelation about that one person in his life who motivated him to join films. When Rajinikanth spoke about his first love Nirmala's influence on his career Veteran Malayalam actor Devan, who shared the screen space with Rajinikanth in the film Baashha, had once revealed a lesser-known conversation he had with the superstar, where the latter opened up about his first love during a heartfelt chat. Speaking with Manorama News in 2019, Devan mentioned that his chat with Rajinikanth took place after the team completed shooting and reached the hotel for the night. Rajinikanth then revealed how he had met an MBBS student named Nirmala while working as a bus conductor in Chennai. They met for the first time when she was unusually trying to push herself inside the bus from the front door. When he tried to stop her, the two ended up having a heated exchange. Rajinikanth invited Nirmala to watch one of his plays While Rajini and Nirmala started on an unpleasant note, the duo kept on meeting on the same route and became friends. Later, the Tamil actor, who was just starting in theaters along with his job as a bus conductor, invited Nirmala to watch a play where he would perform. Nirmala reached the venue on time and watched his play. Later, the Coolie actor received a letter from Adayar Film Institute in Chennai confirming his admission. However, it was not he who had applied there. Later, Rajinikanth came to know that Nirmala applied on his behalf. She said, 'You act very well. I think you are very special. I want to see you on the movie posters. I want to see your huge cut-outs in front of the theaters. You should become an actor who is famous all over India. I have imagined all these when I watched you in that play. That is why I applied on your behalf. You should definitely go.' However, Rajinikanth declined the offer as he felt it was 'too risky' to leave his job and go to Chennai. Moreover, it would also cost him a lot of money. But Nirmala was not ready to back down. The next time they met, she handed Rajinikanth some money and urged him to join the film institute. Finally, the latter agreed. Rajinikanth never met Nirmala again after becoming successful Strangely, as fate would have it, when Rajinikanth returned after a few days of his stint at the film institute, he lost all connection with Nirmala. He came back to Bangalore and looked everywhere for her, but it seemed that she had left, and even her house was locked. Actor Devan remembered how Rajinikanth was in tears while speaking about Nirmala, whom he lovingly called Nimmy. He mentioned that now that he has become successful as an actor, he still looks for her in the crowd. The Coolie actor further said, 'I look for her in the crowds. Devan, why hasn't she come for me? Why doesn't she want to see me, even after I have achieved all these?' Years later, Rajinikanth moved on in his life and got married to Latha Rangachari in 1981. The couple are parents to their daughters Aishwaryaa and Soundarya.
Hype Malaysia
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'King Of Gaana' Thenisai Thendral Deva To Perform In Johor; Ticketing & Seating Announced
The 'King of Gaana' is making his much-anticipated return to Malaysia! Organised by SPPS Production in collaboration with iGP Production, Thenisai Thendral Deva will be performing live in Johor for the very first time! This exciting event offers a rare chance to experience the legend perform his musical talent up close. Deva will be joined on stage by celebrated singers Mano, Anuradha Sriram, Sabesh-Murali, and Srikanth Deva, alongside popular 'Super Singer' talents Ajay Krishna and Priyanka. Together, they will bring Deva's iconic songs to life in a dynamic performance that promises to captivate fans of all ages. Theisai is an iconic music composer in Tamil cinema, renowned for creating irresistible tunes and melodies that linger in your mind for years. Especially popular among '90s kids, he is often hailed as the 'King of Gaana' and played a key role in popularising the gaana genre. His most celebrated compositions come from blockbuster films like 'Annamalai' (1992) and 'Baashha' (1995), with one particular song from 'Baashha' becoming a cultural phenomenon and an enduring classic in Tamil cinema. Whether you're a longtime fan or someone eager to experience an unforgettable night filled with music, energy, and nostalgia, this performance promises to be one to remember. Here's all the information you need for the event: Gaana King Thenisai Thendral Deva Live in Concert in Johor Date : 9th August 2025 (Saturday) : 9th August 2025 (Saturday) Time : 5pm : Venue : Educity Sports Complex, Iskandar Puteri, Johor : Ticketing (Early Bird) : RM1308.24 (VIP), RM318.93 (Diamond), RM231.38 (Gold), RM178.85 (Silver), RM137.07 (Rockzone), RM100.05 (Bronze) : RM1308.24 (VIP), RM318.93 (Diamond), RM231.38 (Gold), RM178.85 (Silver), RM137.07 (Rockzone), RM100.05 (Bronze) Ticketing (Normal Price): RM1488 (VIP), RM358 (Diamond), RM258 (Gold), RM198 (Silver), RM148 (Rockzone), RM108 (Bronze) For more information and updates on the concert, you can head to their official social media. To buy tickets early, you can find them at ticket2u. Zaima Humaria contributed to this article. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
