‘Happy Birthday’ Rajinikanth: Thalaivar joins family for Holi festivities; daughter Aishwarya celebrates the day Shivaji Gaikwad became Rajini

For Thalaivar, Holi holds a deeper significance as it was on this day, 49 years ago, that veteran Tamil director K Balachander rechristened the then 25-year-old Shivaji Rao Gaikwad as Rajinikanth.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | Updated: March 26, 2024 10:53 AM IST

2 min read

Superstar Rajinikanth celebrated Holi with his daughters Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth and other family members.

Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday celebrated Holi with his family members, applying colours to each other in accordance with the festival spirit. (Images: Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajinikanth/ Instagram)

Superstar Rajinikanth never misses a chance to celebrate the happy moments in life with his family, and this year’s Holi was no different. On Monday, Rajinikanth, affectionately referred to as “Thalaivar” by his fans, celebrated Holi with his family members, applying colours to each other in accordance with the festival spirit.

But for Thalaivar and his family, Holi holds a deeper significance as it was on this day, 49 years ago, that veteran Tamil director K Balachander rechristened the then 25-year-old Shivaji Rao Gaikwad as Rajinikanth, marking his debut in Balachander’s film Apoorva Raagangal (1975).

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Sharing a photo of Thalaivar’s Holi festivities on Instagram, his eldest daughter and filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth wrote on Instagram, “Happy ‘Rajinikanth’ Day Shivaji Rao #holi #appa❤️🌍💪👑 Remembering #Balachander thatha #gratefuleveryday.”

In the photo, Rajinikanth, with colours smeared all over his face and head, can be seen playing Holi with his grandchildren as they prepare to apply more colours to the actor. Aishwarya stood beside him, sharing laughter and clutching a bunch of colourful balloons.

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Meanwhile, his youngest daughter, graphic designer-filmmaker Soundarya Rajinikanth, shared another family picture on Instagram following their Holi celebrations. Although Rajinikanth was absent in this photo, it featured his wife Latha alongside Aishwarya and Soundarya.

On the work front, Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Vettaiyan, helmed by Jai Bhim director TJ Gnanavel, is currently under production. The film boasts a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati and Manju Warrier.

Following Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth will begin shooting for Vikram and Leo director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming project, tentatively titled Thalaivar 171. During the launch of his new music video “Inimel“, Lokesh said, “Thalaivar 171 will go on floors in June,” as reported by Cinema Express.

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