From Bus Conductor to Billionaire Superstar: Rajinikanth’s Journey and Luxurious Lifestyle

Before he became the iconic “Thalaiva” of Indian cinema, Rajinikanth led a life of struggle and humility. Born into modest means, the superstar once worked as a bus conductor and porter, earning a meager ₹750 per month, yet today his net worth stands at an astonishing ₹4,30,00,00,000. Despite his wealth, Rajinikanth is known for his simplicity, once being seen eating on a street pavement or spending time meditating alone in Himalayan caves.

Early Struggles:
Rajinikanth lost his mother at the age of nine and grew up in a family shadowed by financial hardships after his father, a police constable, retired. To support his family, he took up small jobs—selling tickets on buses, carrying passengers’ luggage, and working as a laborer. In one incident, a college friend mocked him while handing over luggage, giving Rajinikanth just 2 rupees. The young actor later admitted he cried that day for the first time in his life.

Rise to Stardom:
In 1975, Rajinikanth entered the film industry, starting what would become a legendary career. By 1977, 15 of his films were released, and in 1978, an astonishing 20 films hit theaters. While he faced a period of consecutive flops in the 1970s that almost made him quit acting, a breakthrough came with the Tamil remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don, titled Billa, turning him into a superstar overnight.

Net Worth and Luxuries:
Today, Rajinikanth ranks among the highest-paid actors in India, with reports suggesting he earned ₹280 crore for the film Kuli. He owns several expensive properties and luxury vehicles, including:

1. A lavish house in Chennai worth ₹35 crore
2. Raghavendra Mandapam, a wedding hall valued at ₹20 crore
3. Rolls-Royce Phantom worth ₹16.5 crore
4. Bentley Limousine valued at ₹6 crore
5. Rolls-Royce Ghost worth ₹6 crore and a Lamborghini Urus priced at ₹3.10 crore

Despite owning such opulence, Rajinikanth maintains a grounded lifestyle, often retreating to the Himalayas for solitude and reflection. His journey from a struggling boy to a cinematic legend is an inspiring testament to perseverance, humility, and talent.

Celebrating 75 Years:
On December 12, 2025, Rajinikanth celebrates his 75th birthday, marking a life of cinematic milestones and personal discipline that continues to inspire millions across India and the world.