THERE are not many in that very special league of actors -- men and women -- who represent people’s aspirations in the most genuine aspirations from multiple angles. Standing as tall as anybody in that league, iconic actor Rajinikanth has won one of the greatest honours that any thespian can aspire -- the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement in filmdom -- very deservingly, very much to the liking of countless millions of his fans whose adulation for the man has not been dimmed by barriers or language or region. For, Rajinikanth belongs to whole of India and people in all nooks and corners of the country shower upon him love and admiration that can be the envy of anybody in film industry anywhere in the world. Such has been his appeal. Such has been his outreach. Such has been the impact he has had on the Indian mind.

 

Of course, Rajinikanth has suffered from differing popular perceptions. There are quite many people who consider him to be a master of on-screen, swashbuckling action and nothing more. But then, there are larger numbers who adore him as a genuine symbol of their aspirations of successful combat between the good and the evil and the final victory of good. In multiple languages, in more than 150 movies, Rajinikanth has brought cheers to countless millions of his fans. People throng movie theatres only to see Rajinikanth, no matter then that he may be acting in negative roles. Such as has been his grip on the fans’ minds.

 

As newer technology took a hold on the production systems of movies across the world, Rajinikanth -- as an actor and a film-maker -- changed his approach to his craft. In the days of old technology when every stunt had to be acted out physically either by the actor himself or herself or by a dummy), Rajinikanth has excelled because of innovativeness that belongs only to him. With the advent of new technology where computer arts started dominating the scene, he has made a seamless transition to capture fans’ minds like very few others have been able to do. That is where Rajinikanth stands out among his peers.

 

True, many of his films have had predictable plots. Despite that, millions rush to see his on-screen avatar purely because he offers them what they desire and aspire. However, saying this is doing Rajinikanth injustice. For, he has not become a superstar just by following his fans’ aspirations. Much to the contrary, he is one of those few who has offered newer definitions to popular ideas and ideals. It is because of this that Rajinikanth has not remained only a matinee idol for millions. His appeal goes far beyond that narrow definition of popularity. He is not just the hero of stunt-movies, but a leading actor who picks up right causes to offer the society not just luring alternatives but possibly practicable ideals.

 

In the process of fifty-plus years in filmdom, Rajinikanth, quite naturally, became a role model for countless film-makers and actors not only in South India but all over the country and the world that has seen at least a couple of generations of young aspirants emulating him in professional pursuits in cinema.

 

What makes Rajinikanth a part of a very rare breed is his people-orientation. He is known for his philanthropy. He is known for his willingness to help people in distress. He is known for his outspokenness on issues of social, cultural and political importance. So clear has his position been on many issues that the people actually expect him to lead the masses personally. That popular push did lead Rajinikanth to harbour political aspirations as well, though he has kept that urge under check -- may be temporarily.

 

Dadasaheb Phalke Award could have come to him much earlier, as his fans may think. But then, this national honour has an altogether different symbolism. It has been bestowed upon all winners only they have spent a lifetime in pursuit of the profession -- competing with nobody else but themselves. This is certainly a great way to honour excellence at its best.