The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marked a historic moment as it felicitated legendary actor \ Rajinikanth on completing 50 glorious years in Indian cinema. Beloved as Thalaivar, Rajinikanth has captivated audiences across eras with his unmatched charisma, magnetic screen presence, and iconic style.
“Even if I have 100 births, I want to be born as Rajinikanth,” says the superstar
The felicitation, held during the Closing Ceremony, celebrated his extraordinary contribution not only to Tamil cinema but also to Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. With a career spanning over 170 films, the superstar has become a cultural phenomenon. His accolades include the Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2020).
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, honoured Rajinikanth by presenting him with a shawl and memento. Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and actor Shri Ranveer Singh were also present on the occasion.
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Receiving the honour, Rajinikanth expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India, saying that his 50-year journey felt like just a decade because of his love for cinema and acting. “Even if I have 100 births, I would like to be born as Rajinikanth,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
With this celebration, IFFI 2025 pays tribute to a cinematic icon whose influence transcends language, region, and generations. Rajinikanth’s Golden Jubilee marks not only a personal landmark but also underscores the enduring power of cinema in shaping India’s cultural landscape.