Style found a new synonym in 1975 when K. Balachander introduced Rajinikanth in Apoorva Raagangal. From the way he flips his cigarette to his signature walk, Superstar is known for his inimitable and unparalleled style in his movies.
Though Superstar Rajinikanth, who turns 65 on Saturday, has called off all celebrations on his birthday after the torrential rains sparked a deluge in Chennai and nearby districts, we could not keep ourselves off from bringing you some of his trend-setting style statements, which are a fashion school in their own right.
Flipping cigarette: In Indian cinema, nobody can flip a cigarette to his lips like Rajinikanth and it remains his most elusive trick ever because he has constantly reinvented it. From tossing a cigarette into his mouth from a fair distance to rolling it in the air and lighting it with a revolver, or even taking a burning cigarette into his mouth, and taking it back out. Although the star has stopped endorsing smoking on screen, his fans wait with bated breath to see him light a cigarette in films.
The walk: In Rajinikanth's walk, you find pride and confidence of a man who rose to super-stardom against all odds. While the star walks a tad faster than people usually do, it has never been an issue for filmmakers who captured it in slow motion on several occasions in his films, much to the delight of his fans.
Wearing of goggles: Rajinikanth likes the concept of flipping. Be it a cigarette, a jacket, or even the stole that rests on his shoulder; it's a flip that take them to their position. While many may consider his way of using a goggle peculiar - flipping it from elbow level and rolling it a few times before actually wearing it, the style is still a hit among youngsters. It was so popular that even children, especially in the age group of 5 to 10, imitated it with likable innocence.
The Motta Boss
Hairstyle: It's quite possible that the star never required a comb, because he'd mostly flip his hair with his own hands with panache or simply with a jerk of the neck. Rajinikanth's hairstyle had striking similarity with a lion's mane and it could also be one of the reasons why it was never altered in his films. And when he did alter it, we had the pleasure of watching him as 'Motta Boss' in the 2007 Tamil film Sivaji.
The vanakkam: When people do namaskar (vanakkam) to greet others, their palms usually come together before the face or chest, but it goes sideways for Rajinikanth. It usually goes towards the right or left side of his chin. While the actor never did it on purpose, yet people started imitating it.
The salute: There's a flip in his salute, too. He flips his hand in a circular motion and stops at forehead to salute. Rajinikanth popularised it in his film Padayappa and although he never used it again in his career, people still remember it as one of his most stylish gestures.
Also sharing two real-life styles of Superstar Rajinikanth that, we believe, everyone should imitate.
Humility: Superstar is know for his humility. From the way he presents himself on-stage for public events to how he interacts with everyone anywhere, he carries himself around with exceptional simplicity. A man who is confident about his stature, Superstar always encourages upcoming artists and makes it a point to appreciate good movies.
The 45th International Film Festival of India in Goa conferred Rajinikanth with the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year (2014). While receiving the award, Rajinikanth touched the feet of Amitabh Bachchan whom he considers as an elder brother.
And if you still want a brand ambassador for this, then we give you 'God' of cricket Sachin Tendulkar who was bowled over by Rajinikanth's humbleness.
"I was absolutely floored by his humility and glad that I met him. He is someone I really admire," Sachin told NDTV.
Philanthropy: He has always been one of the first public personalities to respond to SOS sent out whenever a calamity hit the nation. According to reports, during the Chennai floods, he donated Rs 10 crore to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.
(With Agency Inputs)