Superstar Rajinikanth has reached a remarkable milestone—50 years in Indian cinema—and to celebrate his extraordinary journey, Hindustan Times and OTTplay have paid him a tribute unlike anything seen before. In an unprecedented move, the publication dedicated its entire front page to the legendary actor and renamed it “Rajinikanth Times.” The tribute was created in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video, marking a historic first in the outlet’s 100-year legacy.

Rajinikanth’s five-decade career has shaped Indian pop culture in a way few artists ever have. From his magnetic screen presence and trademark style to his iconic dialogue delivery and record-breaking films, the superstar has earned love from millions of fans across the world. While Rajinikanth constantly makes headlines—be it for films, statements, or fan celebrations—this recognition stands out as a particularly special moment in his cinematic journey.

The decision to rename the front page and redesign the masthead shows just how deeply Rajinikanth’s legacy is woven into India’s cultural landscape. This is the first time the publication has dedicated its entire front page to a single individual, making the gesture both meaningful and historic.

Apart from Rajinikanth’s towering influence on Indian cinema, the tribute highlights his status as a cultural phenomenon. His screen persona—full of swagger, charisma, and unmatched style—has defined pop culture trends for generations. His films have crossed linguistic and regional boundaries, cementing him as one of the biggest global faces of Indian entertainment.

This honor also reflects the continued impact of his filmography, which ranges from timeless classics to modern blockbusters. The tribute acknowledges the evolution of his stardom and the lasting connection he shares with fans worldwide.

The tribute extended beyond print. Fever FM also honored the superstar through special radio programming that brought fans and admirers together to relive Rajinikanth’s memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and fan-favorite anecdotes. Throughout the HT Media network, the celebration was rolled out across various digital and broadcast platforms, turning the tribute into a multi-platform event.

OTTplay, which uses an AI-driven discovery engine and offers access to over 30 OTT platforms through one subscription, spearheaded the initiative. The platform showcased Rajinikanth’s journey through a curated collection of his iconic films—from classics like Baasha, Muthu, and Thalapathi to modern hits such as Kabali, Kaala, Petta, Jailer, Vettaiyan, and Coolie. This created a single streaming hub for fans eager to revisit his cinematic milestones.

Before becoming a megastar, Rajinikanth lived a life far removed from the glamour of films. He worked as a coolie and even as a bus conductor, jobs where he often faced harsh behavior and humiliation. The actor has openly recalled moments from his early life that shaped him, including a day when a man rudely ordered him to load his belongings into a tempo. Rajinikanth eventually recognized the voice—it belonged to a college friend he once teased. The encounter left him heartbroken, making him cry for the first time out of sheer emotional pain.

Such stories underline the resilience and determination that have defined Rajinikanth’s rise to superstardom. From humble struggles to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in Asian cinema, his journey remains nothing short of inspirational.