At the age of 72, Indian cinema’s legendary superstar Rajinikanth is still actively shooting for his movies. But, did you know that Kamal Haasan has been given the credit for helping and establishing Rajinikanth in the industry?
Kamal Haasan helped Rajini
The word Thalaiva is synonymous with the name Rajinikanth, who was born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad. In the film industry, the actor has carved out a niche for himself. Rajinikanth has gone from being a bus conductor to becoming a megastar. However, did you know that Kamal Haasan, the South’s superstar, has been credited with helping and establishing Rajinikanth in the industry?
Rajinikanth made his acting debut in 1975, appearing in Puttanna Kanagal’s Katha Sangama in a supporting role. In the same year, his acting career saw a breakthrough after he was offered the role of a villain in K Balachander’s Tamil-language film Apoorva Raagangal. Kamal Haasan played the title role in the movie. Due to Rajinikanth’s character’s stellar performance, he received numerous offers for supporting roles in films.
Rajinikanth’s acting style was slowly making an impression on the movies he appeared in. He gained popularity for his portrayal as a negative character, especially in Baalu Jenu. The viewers adored his flawless acting. But Kamal Haasan was the one who once gave him some very impressive advice.
A word of advice
While shooting for a movie together, Kamal Haasan advised Rajinikanth, “You are doing a very good job but if you keep playing negative and side characters like this, you will never be able to become a lead actor.” Haasan’s words stayed with Rajinikanth.
Later, the Annaatthe actor started signing movies wherein he was offered lead roles. Rajinikanth had appeared in more than 50 films by 1980, many of which were box-office hits. He quickly established himself as the South’s biggest star and came to be known as “Thalaiva”.
Rajinikanth also produced blockbuster films in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. He made his Bollywood debut with the film Andha Kanoon and went on to work on films like Chaalbaaz, Hum, and many others.
On the work front, he will be next seen in TJ Gnanavel’s Thalaivar 170. He also has Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer with actors like Ramya Krishnan and Yogi Babum and Lal Salaam by his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth.
