Know Your Star – Bollywood Chaska

Rajinikanth – The Legend of Tamil Cinema

Birth Name: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
Date & Place: Born 12 December 1950, in Bangalore (then Mysore State), to a Marathi Hindu family—his father was a police constable, his mother a homemaker
Acting Training: Enrolled at the Madras Film Institute (Adyar Film Institute) for acting
Debut: Made film debut in 1975 with a small role in Kannada and Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, under director K. Balachander
Early Roles: Gained recognition playing antagonists in films like Moondru Mudichu (1976); turn as hero in Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977) and Mullum Malarum (1978) earned him critical acclaim

Religious Background: Muslim (Sunni) by birth.
Ethnicity: His father, Meer Taj Muhammad Khan, was a Pathan (Pashtun) from Peshawar, now in Pakistan.
Marriage: Married to Gauri Khan, a Hindu.
Their family practices religious harmony — their children learn about both Islam and Hinduism.

Religious Background: His father, Salim Khan, is Sunni Muslim.
His mother, Sushila Charak (later adopted the name Salma Khan), is of Maharashtrian Hindu background.
Salman himself celebrates both Eid and Diwali, and respects all religions.
Ethnically, his father is from Afghanistan-origin Pathan family.

Religious Background: Sunni Muslim.
His father Tahir Hussain and uncle Nasir Hussain were prominent in the film industry.
Ethnically, Aamir Khan also has Pathan (Pashtun) ancestry from both his paternal and maternal sides.
Conclusion: Sunni Muslim with Pathan descent.

Muslim, specifically from a Sunni Muslim background.
He belongs to a Zamindar Muslim family (landowning class).
His caste/community is traditionally known as Muslim Sheikh or Weaver caste in some regions — a working-class group with strong rural roots.
Born in Budhana, a small town in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Irrfan was deeply spiritual, but not orthodox.
In later years, he spoke about his philosophical journey, openness to different beliefs, and personal connection with God.
He did not believe in religious show-off, and was known for his humble, grounded personality.

Debut & Rise: Began in TV (e.g., Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal in 1997), made Bollywood debut with Dil Kya Kare (1999)
Played a negative role in Ram Gopal Varma’s Jungle (2000), winning the Screen Award for Best Negative Role
Comedy Career: Became a household favourite with roles in hit comedies like Hungama, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Krazzy 4, Bhootnath, Coolie No. 1 (2020), Hungama 2, Bhoot Police, and more
Versatility: Also took on serious roles—seen in Ardh (2022), playing a transgender character, and Apurva (2023)

Born: 28 August 1978, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Medical Background: Licensed Ayurvedic doctor (BAMS + MD). He even topped his medical college before transitioning to acting .
Film Journey: Started with minor roles in films like Pitaah (2002), Gangs of Wasseypur, and Bombay Talkies. After years of struggle, he finally got his first major lead role in Mukkabaaz
Recently played Kavi Kalsh in Chavva

3 December 1970, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Debut: Maachis (1996) under Gulzar's direction
Breakthrough: Mohabbatein (2000) alongside SRK and Amitabh Bachchan
Notable Hindi films include Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Haasil, A Wednesday!, Tanu Weds Manu, Special 26, Happy Bhag Jayegi and De De Pyaar De
Punjabi cinema: Debut with Yaaran Naal Baharan (2005); acted in Mel Karade Rabba, Shareek, Jindua, among others
Television/Web: Lead in Your Honor (SonyLIV)

Full Name: Ranganathan Madhavan
Born: 1 June 1970, Jamshedpur (then Bihar, now Jharkhand)
Family: Son of Ranganathan (Tata Steel executive) and Saroja (Bank of India manager); has a sister named Devika
Schooling: D.B.M.S. English School, Jamshedpur
College: B.Sc. in Electronics from Rajaram College, Kolhapur
Post‑Graduate: Diploma in Public Speaking from Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai; he won national public speaking titles and represented India in Tokyo

Born: 16 January 1978, in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu. Grew up in Chennai
Early roles (2004–2010): Started with uncredited roles and supporting characters in films like M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi, Pudhupettai, Lee, and Naan Mahaan Alla
First lead role: Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) marked his breakthrough in Tamil cinema
Super-hit 2012: Delivered three consecutive successes — Sundarapandian (won Tamil Nadu Best Villain award), Pizza, and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
Went on to shine in Soodhu Kavvum, Vikram Vedha (won Filmfare Best Actor – Tamil), Master (as antagonist opposite Vijay), Super Deluxe (National Award), and Maharaja (2024 blockbuster)

Birth Name: Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja; born 28 July 1983 in Chennai (Egmore)
Attended St. John's Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Alwarthirunagar, Chennai
Pursued a correspondence BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) from Madurai Kamaraj University
Originally aspired to study hotel management, but chose acting under his brother’s encouragement
Debuted in acting with Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002), directed by his father Kasthuri Raja, and scripted by brother Selvaraghavan

Birth Name: Diana Mariam Kurian
Born: 18 November 1984 in Bangalore, Karnataka to a Malayali Syrian Christian family
Early Ambition: Initially wanted to become a Chartered Accountant, even before entering modelling and films
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First Film: Manassinakkare (2003, Malayalam), discovered by director Sathyan Anthikkad during her modelling days
Tamil Success: Ayya (2005), followed by Chandramukhi (2005) alongside Rajinikanth that ran over 800 days, cementing her star status

Born: 7 Nov 1954, Paramakudi
Family:Parents Srinivasan & Rajalakshmi; 3 siblings; father was lawyer-freedom fighter
Education:Chennai schools; theatre and dance training
Spouses:Vani Ganapathy (m.1978–’88), Sarika (m.1988–2004)
Children:Shruti Haasan, Akshara Haasan
Politics:Founded MNM; Rajya Sabha MP (2025)
Honours:National awards, Padma honours, international recognitions

Born : 8 Dec 1935, Punjab
Background : Jat Sikh; schoolteacher’s son
Education : 12th standard; talent contest entry
Film Career : 300+ films, romantic to action hero
First Marriage : Prakash Kaur, 4 children
Second Marriage : Hema Malini, 2 daughters
Politics : MP (2004–09, BJP)
Honors : Padma Bhushan, Lifetime Achievement
Dharmendra’s enduring charisma, versatility, and resilience have made him not just an actor but an Indian cinematic icon. His family, spanning two marriages and multiple actors, continues his creative legacy.