Rajinikanth turns 75: PM Narendra Modi, CM Stalin extend birthday tributes to ‘Thalaiva’; superstar marks 50 years in cinema

CHENNAI: Superstar Rajinikanth is celebrating his 75th birthday on Friday, receiving an outpouring of wishes from across the country, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin. Leading the tributes, PM Modi lauded Rajinikanth’s five-decade-long cinematic legacy, writing on X, “Greetings to Thiru Rajinikanth Ji on the special occasion of his 75th birthday. His performances have captivated generations and earned extensive admiration. His body of work spans diverse roles and genres, consistently setting benchmarks. This year has been notable because he completed 50 years in the world of films.

” He concluded with prayers for the actor’s long and healthy life. Earlier, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin took to X to celebrate the actor, calling him a figure of “charisma that conquers age” and praising his decades-long contribution to cinema. “From six to sixty, captivating for half a century—my friend #SuperStar @rajinikanth, heartfelt birthday wishes! May he continue to deliver many more victorious creations, and may his victory flag keep flying with the love and support of the people!” Stalin wrote, sharing a picture of himself with the actor.

Known affectionately as “Thalaiva” by fans, Rajinikanth remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has starred in numerous films across languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English. In recognition of his enduring contribution to the industry, the actor received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa earlier this year, marking 50 years of his illustrious career. On the work front, Rajinikanth is set to reunite with fellow superstar Kamal Haasan for Sundar C’s ‘Thalaivar 173’, which is slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027. Recently, he was seen in the action thriller ‘Deadly Coolie’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, which follows the story of a former coolie turned rebel uncovering a dangerous smuggling syndicate in Visakhapatnam. Fans across the country have taken to social media to celebrate his birthday, marking it as a grand festival in honour of the actor whose journey has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.