Superstar Rajinikanth, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures, celebrated his 75th birthday on December 12, 2025, marking not just another year of life but a remarkable milestone that symbolizes decades of cinematic greatness, mass appeal and cultural impact across generations. The birthday was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and love from fans, peers, and public figures alike — but among the many tributes that poured in, one of the most touching came from actor Dhanush, who shared a warm and affectionate message for the legendary Thalaiva on social media.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle early on Friday, Dhanush posted a simple yet heartfelt message that captured his respect and admiration for Rajinikanth. His message read: “Happy birthday thalaiva,” accompanied by folded hands, starry-eyed, cool face with sunglasses, and heart emojis — a gesture that resonated deeply with fans and followers across the internet.
The affectionate greeting received widespread attention because it came from someone who shares a unique personal history with Rajinikanth. Dhanush was married to Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth for almost two decades — their relationship spanning from 2004 until their separation in 2022. Despite no longer being part of the family by marriage, the public interaction between Dhanush and Rajinikanth has reflected mutual respect and warmth, showing that their bond has endured beyond personal changes.
Fans and followers quickly reacted to Dhanush’s birthday wish for Thalaiva, appreciating the sincerity and simplicity of the message. Many noted that Rajinikanth’s influence on actors like Dhanush reflects the deep respect younger generations of artists have for the superstar, whose career has spanned over 50 years in Indian cinema.
The celebrations on social media did not stop with Dhanush. Tributes for Rajinikanth flooded timelines from all corners of the entertainment industry, political leaders, and fans — each message highlighting a different aspect of his remarkable journey. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fellow Tamil cinema legend Kamal Haasan, the love for Rajinikanth transcended boundaries of language and region.
Kamal Haasan, a contemporary of Rajinikanth and a figure of equal stature in Indian cinema, paid tribute by acknowledging the superstar’s 75 years of life and half a century of cinematic contribution, calling his journey “remarkable” and celebrating his ongoing inspiration to countless artists and fans.
The birthday also saw an outpouring of tributes from other notable personalities in the film fraternity. Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, and stars across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema shared their admiration and respect, often highlighting the qualities that make Rajinikanth such an enduring figure — from his signature on-screen style to his humility off-screen.
Beyond personal messages, Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday has been marked by celebrations that celebrate his cinematic legacy. In a fitting tribute to his contribution to Indian film, his 1999 blockbuster Padayappa was re-released in theaters on his birthday, offering fans a chance to relive one of the most iconic films in Tamil cinema history.
Though Rajinikanth’s journey began far from the glitz of the movie world — having worked as a bus conductor in his early years — his rise to superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. His unique screen presence, charismatic style, and distinctive dialogue delivery transformed him into a cultural phenomenon, earning him titles like Thalaiva (“leader” or “head” in Tamil) and stirring fandom that extends beyond regional lines.
Despite being 75, Rajinikanth continues to remain active and relevant in the industry. His influence is seen not only in the films he has made but also in the way he has shaped the aspirations of many actors and filmmakers. Whether it’s through inspiring performances or heartfelt personal interactions like the one with Dhanush on this milestone day, his legacy is one that continues to resonate deeply across generations.
For Dhanush, whose own body of work in cinema has earned him respect as one of contemporary Indian cinema’s most versatile actors, the birthday gesture was both personal and symbolic — a tribute to a figure he has long admired, both as an artist and as someone who played a role in his life outside of cinema.
As the celebrations continue and tributes flow in from around the world, Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling, endurance in an ever-changing film landscape, and the deep connections forged through decades of inspiring work. The birthday wishes, from fans to peers, reinforce a singular truth — Rajinikanth remains an eternal icon in the hearts of millions.
