When I was a bus conductor, I used to drink a lot: Rajinikanth

The one and only Superstar of India Rajinikanth who hasn't celebrated his birthday in Chennai in almost 20 years, Broked the rule and celebrated this year. He agreed to participate in an event organized by his fans, and opened up about his health issues.

"Twenty-two years ago, three of my fans who had come from their town to take part in my birthday celebrations died in an accident on their way back.

This is the reason why I get out of the city on my birthday, When I was a bus conductor, I used to drink a lot due to peer pressure. When I entered films, the problem got worse, and coupled with long working hours, led me into depression.

After my marriage to Latha, I cut back on drinking, but continued to smoke too much. My lungs and kidneys got affected and I had to be treated in Singapore. Now, for the past two months, I've been hale and hearty. That's why I'm asking you to stop smoking." Requested Rajinikanth in his speech.

Very recently, The superstar's story has been included in a Syllabus titled 'Dignity for Work' for CBSE students as a Lesson.

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Rajinikanth becomes a Lesson for CBSE

Looking at superstar Rajinikanth's popularity and success in the Film industry, Now his life story has been included in a chapter for the students of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the Learning to Communicate (Course Book 6). This lesson titled 'From Bus Conductor to Superstar' comes under the category Dignity of Work.

Yes, This is shocking but it's True. Rajinikanth's popularity is not only in India but his stardom also rules in countries such as China, France and USA. Rajinikanth's success story is a lesson for people, who wants to achieve something in life. Many in film industry too look at him for inspiration.

Thanks to his Struggle-To-Success story that has set an example for hard work and dedication. Rajinikanth is also considered as 'Demi-God' down south, His films are treated as Diwali Festival. This is the only superstar in the world whose huge Cut-Out's are Milk Bathed during any release of his films.

The main objective of the lesson chapter is to motivate children on having goals and reaching with sustained efforts and hard work. The superstar's golden heart nature, simplicity and kindness will also be a lesson for the students.

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What makes Rajinikanth a superstar at 62?

From a bus conductor to one of the most admired and worshipped actor in the world, the story of Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, later rechristened Rajinikanth, could very well make a good script for a blockbuster movie. As Rajinikanth turns 62 Wednesday, members of the film fraternity look back at what still makes him a superstar.

Viji Chandrasekhar, who played Rajini's younger sister in Tamil comedy "Thillu Mullu", a Tamil remake of Hindi blockbuster "Gol Maal", feels it's his ability to treat everybody equally that makes Rajinikanth the icon he is. 

"He treats everybody on sets with utmost respect and equal importance. Be it a light boy or a co-star, he doesn't discriminate for any reason, " Viji told.

She said a superstar is not someone who is always successful, but is someone who takes success and failure in the same stride and yet remains simple. 

"I've learnt to be simple while working with him on the sets of the film. Though he plays a hero in the film, he is simple in real life. Most importantly, he knows how to take success and failure in the same stride, " she added. 

On the other hand, Tamil filmmaker Lakshmy Ramakrishnan feels Rajinikanth is a superstar because he doesn't believe he is one. 

"He never believes or wanted to be called a superstar, but he is one because people made him. Superstars are not born, they are made. But if someone desperately tries to be a superstar, they're sure to fail, " said Ramakrishnan. 

Rajinikanth began his acting journey in 1975 with Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal", and has since then appeared in over 175 titles. He made his mark as a character actor in the movie "Aarulirunthu Arupathu Varai". He has also featured in Bollywood films such as "Bhagwan Dada", "Chaalbaaz" and "Hum". 

Having worked with Rajinikanth in four Tamil films - "Baasha", "Veera", "Annamalai" and "Baba" - southern filmmaker Suresh Krissna feels the actor is a superstar both on and off the screen.
"So many actors, who've been very successful, have come and gone, but Rajinikanth is and will remain a superstar forever. He's the true bearer of the star tag because people love him on reel and in real life, " said Suresh, adding that "Baasha" is a milestone in his career. 

"Every event or gathering I attended post 'Baasha', at least one question was asked about my experience with Rajini on the sets of the film. People started recognising me particularly for this film and the popularity I received was inexplainable." 

To celebrate the success of his collaboration with the actor, Krissna is set to launch his book titled "My Days with Baasha" Wednesday. It will be available in all the leading book stores.

"This book will encapsulate my working experience with Rajini sir on the sets of three highly successful films. It will also feature working stills along with real anecdotes which will make for an inspiring read, " he said. 

There are two other special things lined up for Rajinikanth's birthday - the 3D version of his blockbuster film "Sivaji" will be released on the same day, and another Tamil film titled "Alex Pandian", which is named after the character the actor essayed in the Tamil film "Moondru Mugam", will release its audio.

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Sivaji 3D first Indian film in new sound format

Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil political-thriller "Sivaji 3D" will be India's first film to be released with Dolby Atmos, a new audio platform that will change the experience of sound and transport audiences into the story with a lifelike, sensory experience.

"It is one of our most significant innovations in recent years and represents the future of entertainment," said Pankaj Kedia, country manager, Dolby Laboratories, in a statement.

"Sivaji 3D", which is directed by S. Shankar, opens in cinemas Dec 12 on Rajinikanth's 62nd birthday.

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Two special birthday gifts lined up for Rajinikanth

Superstar Rajnikanth, who turns 62 next month, has two special birthday gifts lined up for his special day. His birthday falls Dec 12.

Firstly, the 3D version of his blockbuster film "Sivaji" will be released on the same day. And second, another Tamil film titled "Alex Pandian", which is named after the character the actor essayed in the Tamil film "Moondru Mugam", will release its audio.

Incidentally, AVM Productions, the makers of "Sivaji" have planned to release the 3D version of the film all over Tamil Nadu on the actor's birthday.

Meanwhile, K.E. Gnanavelraja of Studio Green production house has confirmed that they are launching the audio of Karthi-starrer Tamil action-thriller "Alex Pandian" on the same day.

"We are releasing on this day because it happens to be Rajinikanth's birthday and 30 years since the character Alex Pandian first appeared in the film "Moondru Mugam, " said a statement from the production company.

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Rajnikanth to return to Bollywood with Mallika Sherawat

When one heard of Rajnikanth returning to Hindi cinema one was skeptical. After all, the Tamil mega-star is yet to complete his first post -illness project the long in the pipeline Kochadaiyyan. Then was he in a position to start another film, and that too with K C Bokadia?

Apparently Bokadia has approached Rajnikanth for a stellar role in his new film The Dirty Politics. Yes, the same project where Mallika Sherawat plays a character based in Bhanwari Devi, the nurse who was allegedly bumped off by a influential politician in Rajasthan.

Rajnikanth, one hears, would be playing a role specially written for him. 

One got in touch with a source very close to Rajnikanth in Chennai who said, Rajni Sir is indeed doing Bakodiaji's film. They go back a long way. This film, we don't know what it is called, requires just ten days of Rajniji's dates. As soon as Kochadaiyyan releases Rajniji would take up this offer.
When we contacted Bokadia he said, Rajnikanth is a very dear friend. He has worked in four of my Hindi films. But at the moment I wouldn't like to say anything.

I had spoken about Mallika playing a central role in The Dirty Politics, and she had expressed displeasure at the announcement coming prematurely and threatened to walk out. So until I am sure we can make an announcement I'd rather not comment. 

In the meanwhile we hear Mallika Sherawat who has earlier done a film with the other Tamil doyen Kamal Haasan, is mighty kicked at the prospect of sharing screen space with Rajnikanth.

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Rajinikanth's Sivaji The Boss now in 3D

If Hollywood can transform its iconic film 'Titanic" into 3D and give it a new look, how can Bollywood lag behind. Now Prasad Lab is converting Rajnikanth starrer "Sivaji- The Boss' into 3D. Prasad Lab is the forefront of 3D movie making, DI and VFX in India.

Recent 3D films including Raaz 3, Dangerous Ishq, and Haunted have all been post produced at Prasad Group's state of the art studio in Mumbai.

Sivaji-The Boss'' is the first film of India which is is being converted from 2D to 3D. And the chairman of Prasad Lab Shri Ramesh Prasad is very happy for it."It is really great news that the world is moving towards 3D.

People love to watch action film in 3D as it gives them thrill and chill."Sivaji'' has all the ingredients to make it an out and out entertaining film in 3D.We have seen the some portion of this film's 3D version and we all are very happy with the final result.

I am sure with the release of this film many more action films will be converted into 3D''. He says. Recently, The film had it's Trailer Launched in 3D where superstar Rajnikanth personally unveiled it's 3D First Look.

Director Remo Fernandes is now making film "ABCD'' into 3D and all the technical support for 3D is being provided by Prasad Lab. 3D wave has arrived in India and the credit for this must go to Prasad Group.

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Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth root for Makkhi

There's lots of raining praises for south-indian master movie maker S.S.Rajamouli's Makkhi (Eega in Telugu)) as Bollywood looks forward to the release of the film on October 12.

Reliance Big Picture held a private screening of the film prior to it's release for Bollywood's big guns some days back. And Bollywood's King Khan Shah Rukh Khan was quick to commend Rajamouli's film after watching it. SRK tweeted, "Makkhi (eega) the fly.  Awesomely original & fun film by Rajamouli releasing on 12th oct. must watch with kids.all the best raja & team" (sic). What's more, the Shahrukh Khan's statement was later retweeted by more than 400 people on the micro blogging site.

Thrilled with SRK's appreciations, S.S.Rajamouli was courteous enough to thank the super star replying "thank you @iamsrk the king khan.

Offering your help for a complete stranger like me and tweeting about #makkhi shows ur greatness. honoured! felt very happy when shahrukh told me his son wanted to see #makkhi badly and they are going watch it together." (sic). The director also expressed his interest in making a straight Hindi film and Makkhi could just well be an ideal start to his Bollywood career.

This was just not over and South Indian superstar Rajinikanth also praised the movie and said "The movie would be a landmark film in Indian cinema much to the happiness of the filmmaker and actors".

Though Rajinikanth watched the tamil version of the film which is titled 'Naan Ee'. Sources reveal Rajamouli is an ardent fan of Rajinikanth right from his young age and now having given several blockbuster Telugu films, his dream is to work with Superstar.

S.S.Rajamouli is the same Filmmaker whose telugu film 'Magadheera' was a record breaking hit in Andhra. And every other Bollywood actor is desperate to remake the film in Hindi Language.

However, Rajamouli has no intentions in remaking the film in Hindi. S.S.Rajamouli's other hit blockbusters which were remade into hindi are Rowdy Rathore (Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha) and Son Of Sardar (Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha).

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Rajnikanth-Shatrughan Sinha are Health Buddies

Rajnikanth will fly down to Mumbai very shortly, probably within a week, specially to meet his friend, confidante and self-proclaimed inspiration Shatrughan Sinha

The two stylized star-actors go back a long way and have kept tabs on one another's health very closely during the period of their illness. They worked together only once 26 years ago in K C Bokadia's Asli Naqli.

The title is ironical because Shatrughan Sinha and Rajnikanth are seen by their respective fan clubs as spitting images of one another in terms of their acting style. Kaun asli kaun naqli depends entirely on whether the fan is from the North or South.

Ever since they came together to act in Asli Naqli Rajnikanth and Shatrughan Sinha have remained close friends, monitoring one another's moves with brotherly care. In the past two years ever since Rajnikanth fell ill, the two supremos of stylized acting have been closely monitoring one another's health.

Says a source close to Rajnikanth, `First, it was Rajni Sir who fell ill. Then Mr Sinha. Throughout one another's hospitalization they've been keeping close bedside vigil by phone through the wives of the two stars. `

Rajnikanth has apparently gone many steps further than simple curious concern. Based on his own health history during his illness and healing he has given Shtarughan Sinha vital pointers on post-illness diet and regimen.

Says a source close to Shatrughan Sinha, `Since Shatruji's hospitalization Rajni Sir has been religiously ringing up from Chennai and asking Mrs Shatrughan Sinha about his health. And it's not just about the two actors being old colleagues and friends. Rajni Sir feels a close empathy for Mr Sinha because of their sudden health issues that landed them both in hospital. `

Now we hear Rajnikanth would be flying down to Mumbai in the next week or so to specially meet his asli-naqli friend.

Confirming their close affinity and the Southern icon's very private proposed visit to Mumbai to spend time with his friend a source very close friend to Shatrughan Sinha said, `Both Rajni and Shatru are Sagittarians.

Rajni calls Shatru his Guru becase Rajni watched all of Shatru's films when Rajni was a newcomer. Rajni has watched Shatru in Rampur Ka Lakshman 36 times to get a full grip on the mannerisms and gestures of Shatru in the role.

The two are very close to one another. Rajni was waiting for Shatru to come home from hospital. He will now be flying down to spend some time with the actor. `

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Rajnikanth as Aamir Khan's item boy? What Rubbish!!!

Stories that Rajnikanth is being roped in to perform a song and dance for the new Aamir Khan starrer Talaash has Rajnikanth’s camp completely flummoxed and angry. And Ranikanth’s associates tell us the mega-star is not amused. 


What is more, when this writer questioned the Talaash director Reema Kagti about the rumours that the iconic Rajnikanth is turning into an item boy for Aamir, Reema completely denied the rumour. “Not true, ” the beleaguered director responded. 

Says a source, “So then where did this preposterous rumour start? At the moment Rajniji is completely involved with every department of his new film Kochadaiyyan. 

He is not even looking at doing any other work. He spends all his time with the post-production team. He is helping his daughter (Soundarya) with the editing, mixing, background score. 

Most of all, Rajniji wants to make sure that the special effects for the action sequences come out perfectly. For that Rajniji insists on flying out with the technical team to London each time they need to work on the effects.” 

Rajnikant’s associate says, “At first Rajniji’s family took the rumours of an item song in their stride. But now the reports are getting increasingly inventive. 


We read somewhere that Mr Aamir Khan is keen to get Rajniji to do an appearance because Rajniji did the same for Ra.One. This is getting absurd. The special appearance in Ra.One was done as a very special favour to Shah Rukh. It doesn’t mean Rajniji would be play the item boy for every Khan in Bollywood.”

So who started this bizarre rumour anyway?

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Rajinikanth not willing to clash with Shah Rukh Khan

The release of Rajinikanth's next postponed to avert a showdown with Bollywood bigwigs on Diwali

Rajinikanth may be the boss of all, but it looks like the superstar is not willing to clash with Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan at the box office.

Buzz is that his next film, his first release in two years and also his comeback project post his illness, will now be delayed to avoid a showdown with Ajay’s magnum opus (directed by Ashwani Dheer) and Yash Chopra’s untitled that stars Shah Rukh Khan. All the films were earlier slated to have a Diwali release.

Word was that theatres all over Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the South were already being booked in bulk for the film. However, the delay that was kept under wraps to avoid disappointing the superstar’s fans is now out in the open.

Says a source from the film, “Rajni sir’s South market is totally secure. In fact, when Kamal Haasan heard of Rajni ji’s Diwali plans, he postponed the release date of his Hindi-Tamil-Telugu tri-lingual film.

But then the news of the Ajay Devgn-starrer being released during Diwali surfaced. Though, it in no way affects Rajni ji’s Southern and overseas market, the Hindi version is bound to get affected.”

Our source adds, “Incidentally, Yash Chopra had already announced that he would be releasing his film during Diwali. Initially, Rajni’s team was ready and willing to take on Ajay’s film even in the Hindi belt.

But now with Sonakshi Sinha’s soaring popularity after Rowdy Rathore, it was felt that a Diwali release was just not practical.”

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