Rajinikanth Turns 75: PM Modi, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush Lead Tributes to Tamil Cinema Icon

Tamil cinema’s biggest cultural phenomenon, Rajinikanth, turned 75 on December 12, and the milestone birthday sparked an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, film icons and fans across India and beyond. Social media platforms were flooded with messages celebrating the actor’s unmatched legacy, his 50-year journey in cinema and his enduring influence on generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the wishes, praising Rajinikanth for his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema. “Greetings to Thiru Rajinikanth Ji on the special occasion of his 75th birthday. His performances have captivated generations and earned immense admiration. This year marks 50 years of his film journey. Praying for his long, healthy life,” he wrote.

Rajinikanth’s son-in-law and acclaimed actor Dhanush shared a warm, simple message: “Happy birthday, Thalaiva.”

Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth’s longtime friend and contemporary, posted a heartfelt note along with a picture of the duo: “75 years of a remarkable life. 50 years of legendary cinema. Happy birthday, my friend.”

Tributes kept pouring in from the Tamil film fraternity. Actor and politician Kushboo Sundar penned an emotional message, calling Rajinikanth an “institution of humility, dedication, simplicity and positivity.” Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj thanked him for “making life beautiful” and wished him many more years of inspiration and entertainment.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami also extended birthday greetings, calling Rajinikanth an “unshakeable icon” of Tamil cinema for the past five decades. Actors SJ Suryah, Simran Bagga and many other celebrities echoed the sentiment, crediting the superstar for redefining mass cinema and inspiring multiple generations.

As fans celebrated across the country, the re-release of Rajinikanth’s 1999 blockbuster Padayappa in a newly restored 4K version added to the festive mood. The rerelease, timed to coincide with his 75th birthday and his golden jubilee in cinema, drew massive crowds who turned theatres into celebration hubs, reliving the film’s iconic dialogues, music and unforgettable characters.

Even at 75, Rajinikanth remains a towering cultural force—his charisma, humility and screen presence continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. From redefining superstardom to remaining deeply connected with the common man, his journey remains one of Indian cinema’s greatest stories.