Rajinikanth is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He made his debut as an actor in the National Film Award–winning motion picture Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers his mentor.
Rajinikanth has worked in over 150 films across various film industries of India. He has won a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards—four Best Actor Awards and two Special Awards for Best Actor.
He was bestowed the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, in the year 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Other than acting, Rajinikanth has also worked as a producer and screenwriter.
