Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (born on 12 December 1949), professionally known by his stage name Rajinikanth (lang-kn?????????; lang-mr????????; lang-ta???????????; lang-te??????????; lang-hi????????), is a multilingual Indian actor and media personality (celebrity). He is best known for his mass popularity and appeal, largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films. He received Indias third highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Other than acting (film actor), Rajinikanth worked as a screenwriter, film producer, and also a playback singer. Apart from his film career, he is a philanthropist and serves as an influence in the politics of Tamil Nadu.

Rajinikanth made his debut as an actor in 1975 in the Tamil (Tamil language) film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander. He was later favoured in Tamil cinema for portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his 1978 (1978 in film) Tamil film Bhairavi (Bairavi), he became known as the "Super Star (Superstar)" of Tamil cinema, a title given to him by film producer S. Thanu and still used by many people to refer to him. He has also appeared in the films of other nations, including American cinema (Cinema of the United States). He was paid Rs. (Rupee) 20 crores (about 4.2 million US dollars) for Sivaji: The Boss (Sivaji (film)), making him the highest paid actor in South Asia after Jackie Chan.