Rajinikanth is not just a superstar. He is an emotion that generations have grown up with. India is hailing him as only a great legend should be because he finishes 50 glorious years in cinema. The mastheads of newspapers being rewritten in his honour, film festivals paying special tributes, the country is experiencing the historic cultural moment. The story of how Rajinikanth became an Indian cinema star who started as a bus conductor in Bengaluru is one that has continued to inspire millions up to date.
Hindustan Times Breaks a 100 Year Tradition
In a truly unprecedented moment, Hindustan Times and OTTplay partnered to create Rajinikanth Times, transforming the newspaper’s iconic front page into a full tribute dedicated entirely to the superstar. This is the first time in the publication’s 100-year history that its entire front page was offered to one individual. The tribute celebrated the 5-decade long career of Rajinikanth, beginning in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal up to 2023 with Jailer.
The visual design and masthead of the newspaper was freshly redesigned to compete with this special issue, instead of the normal sober feel of the broadsheet, employing a big bold reference to the man whose onscreen presence has been a colouring agent in Indian pop culture. The special front page carried the powerful line, “50 years didn’t make him a legend he made the last 50 years legendary,” perfectly capturing what Rajinikanth means to fans and cinema lovers. HT described the tribute as a moment where newsprint becomes history, calling Rajinikanth a figure whose influence goes beyond cinema and enters the world of cultural mythology.
A Multi Platform Tribute for a Multi Generational Icon
The tribute extended beyond print. Fever FM amplified the celebration across radio platforms, turning it into a multi-platform cultural moment. The HT Media network pushed the homage across various digital and broadcast channels. OTTplay is an AI-based discovery engine that also showcased the extensive cinematic universe of Rajinikanth, providing viewers with classics such as Baasha, Muthu and Thalapathi, as well as with recent hits such as Kabali, Kaala, Petta, Jailer, Vettaiyan and Coolie. It was the gateway through which fans could relish the magic of the superstar.
IFFI to Honour Rajinikanth’s 50 Years in Cinema
The International Film Festival of India announced that Rajinikanth will be felicitated at IFFI 2025 in Goa for his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema. The Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan disclosed that the closing ceremony will give special honours to Rajinikanth and other legendary actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Another touching tribute that IFFI posted on social media commemorated the fifty years of Thalaivar magic and the manner in which his style, flair and memorable lines have influenced the movie industry over the years.
The Unbelievable Journey From Bus Conductor to Superstar
Rajinikanth’s journey to stardom is the perfect example of passion meeting perseverance. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, he grew up in a financially struggling family and began working early as a carpenter, coolie and later as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service. Even at that time, he was memorable because of his natural charisma.
He got influenced by a friend to attend the Madras film institute where he was discovered by the director K Balachander who taught him to study Tamil as he had a bright future. Rajinikanth made his entry in movies with Apoorva Raagangal and it was first in movies like Moondru Mudichu and Avargal that he became known as a villain. His flair, body language and magnetic screen presence made him very easily noticeable. He quickly graduated into top positions and through movies such as Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri and his blockbuster Billa, he became the idol of mass cinema. His swagger, his classic lines and easy flair changed the image of a mass hero.
Despite reaching incredible heights, Rajinikanth faced many challenges along the way, including health issues and immense public pressure, especially during political speculation. But he fought through every setback and emerged stronger each time. His journey continues to show that true legends rise above every hurdle.
Today, Rajinikanth stands as a global icon who has transcended barriers of language, geography and age. He has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and numerous state and film awards. He made 50 years in the movie industry official in August 2025 when Coolie became the 171st film. Fans are currently anticipating Jailer 2 and the long-awaited Thalaivar 173, which will reunite him with Kamal Haasan.
Rajinikanth’s story is more than cinema. It is hope, inspiration and magic all rolled into one journey that can be remembered. And with India celebrating fifty years of Thalaivar, it is one thing that is still evident the legend of Rajinikanth will shine through the ages to come.
