Rajinikanth turns 73: Net worth and assets of the 'Thalaiva' of Indian cinema

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, popularly known as Rajinikanth, has primarily worked in Tamil cinema. He was born on December 12, 1950, in a Marathi Hindu family in Bengaluru. Son of a police constable, Rajinikanth completed his schooling at the Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School and Acharya Pathasala Public School.

Soon after, he started doing odd jobs in the late 60s. Rajinikanth used to work as coolie before he got a job as a bus conductor.

While working as a bus conductor, Rajinikanth started taking part in Kannada mythological plays.

Following the dreams, Rajinikanth took up an acting course in the newly formed Madras Film Institute which led to the actor getting noticed by Tamil filmmaker K Balachander. The filmmaker advised him to learn Tamil and also suggested the name Rajinikanth. In 1975, the actor made his debut in the cinema industry with the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K Balachander.

In the next few years, Rajinikanth carved out a niche for himself in the film industry and went on to play several iconic roles in blockbuster movies.

Some of his notable works include Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri, Mullum Malarum, Aval Appadithan, Billa, Moondru Mugam, Andhaa Kaanoon, Nallavanukku Nallavan, Geraftaar, Padikkadavan, ChaalBaaz, Hum and Phool Bane Angaray.

Rajinikanth was last seen on the silver screen in Jailer, an action comedy-drama film which released on August 10 this year and was a box-office success.

For his contribution to cinema, Rajinikanth was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019.

In a career spanning over four decades, Rajinikanth has earned global recognition and success at different levels. The net worth of the superstar is estimated to be approximately $51 million or ₹430 crore, according to a Lifestyle Asia report.

The primary part of Rajinikanth’s earnings comes from films, as he acts and also produces film projects. Besides, the actor also gets a major remuneration from different investments.

The actor owns a lavish house in Chennai’s Poes Garden, closer to former chief minister Jayalathiaa’s house. The actor has a collection of several luxurious cars, which includes two Rolls Royce -- Ghost and Phantom. He also owns a Toyota Innova, Honda Civic, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, Lamborghini Urus, and a Bentley.