Despite a number of visits to the Himalayas and a divine attraction, there was one habit that the actor could not leave behind – smoking. It was not until ‘Chandramukhi’ days that the actor decided to stop it once and for all. But till date, Rajinikanth is the only actor to have travelled the deepest secrets of the Himalayas, where saints are believed to be living. Rajinikanth has a secluded corner in his house, constructed adhering to vastu, where he meditates every day. Among his other good habits are his practice to walk an hour every evening to maintain a healthy lifestyle. His professional tailor is in fact in awe that his measurements have not changed in two and half decades! Aside from all this, Rajinikanth continues to be unpredictable and short tempered.

Back in those days, Rajinikanth was impulsive a great deal, as opposed to his current poise. Rajinikanth’s love story began when he met Lata, who was leading a crew of interviewers, who had come for a coverage on the actor. While the actor’s wedding was a hushed affair in all simplicity in Tirupathi, the actor willingly threw a party and called in for media coverage, at his reception in Chennai. The actor was later blessed with two daughters, who have now come to establish themselves as successful directors in Kollywood. Rajinikanth is analogous to fame not only in K-town, but also up north, owing not only to his global reputation, but also his brief career in Bollywood, when he had shared the screen with actors like Big B and Dharmendra. Despite the clouding stardom to his credit, the actor prefers to be a common man, and hushed reports suggest that he strolls the cities in adept disguise.

Rajinikanth is a brand in himself, and he has an exclusive room for rest and recreation at the AVM studios. He is given a similar room in places like Rishikesh, when he travels on pilgrimage. But excerpts from his early life have shaped up Rajinikanth into a philanthropic person. The Raghavendra Mandapam was built in favour of travelers to seek free shelter in the city. At a personal level, Rajinikanth is a simpleton, who prefers to spend most of his time in the silent ambience at his farm house, than his house in the heart of the city. Back in his farm house, he ploughs and tills the land and plants seeds and saplings, as his favourite pass time. It is this simplicity and his sense of responsibility, which has aided the man in sustaining his position after attaining global recognition.

More to his simplicity – he has the astonishing habit of remembering people by their names, which proves very helpful for him in maintaining a healthy rapport with everyone. Further, as a kind gesture, the actor makes it a point to greet everyone, by standing on his two, when he meets them for the day. At home, he is attached to his early-days belongings and keeps a few sets of clothes and small memorabilia, safely maintained. After every shoot, Rajinikanth takes a compulsory break; before his pilgrimage interest, his favourite outing spot was Bangalore. Superstar visits his friend Bahadur often, and savours the mutton kaima prepared at his house.

Though open to critics, Superstar takes suggestions only when he deems it right. The only person with the right to scold him is his mentor, K Balachandar. Complicated yet simple, famous yet humble, everything about Superstar is unique. Words fall short in our vocabulary to describe the sincere dedication towards the man, who is much more than an actor. To the most hailed, idolized and celebrated actors of all time, we at Indiaglitz carry our hearty wishes for a cheerful birthday. Happy birthday Thalaiva!!!