Rajinikanth to have a quiet birthday, says wife Latha

Chennai: While most of India celebrates Rajinikanth's 63rd birthday with 'Lungi dance' playing on the loop, the song evokes mixed reactions in the star's home city Chennai. Fans in Chennai were in fact, eager to dance to the tunes of Rajini's latest film 'Kochadaiyaan', whose music release was earlier scheduled for the star's birthday. But fans will have to wait a bit longer for that.

On Thursday, several auto drivers decorated their auto rickshaws with photographs of Rajinikanth and the number 64 written in bold alongside them. This was in tribute to Rajinikanth's memorable role as an autodriver in the '90s superhit 'Baasha'. It is also indicative of the popularity the star enjoys amongst the masses.

Rajini fan associations have lined up a variety of programs to mark the occasion. A 'kanagabhikshekam' or offering of 108 gold coins was held at the Raghevendra temple in T Nagar. Fan associations will also be distributing food and alms to the poor. Blood and eye donation camps have also been organised at various places by fans. Albert Theater in Chennai will screen 4 different movies of the superstar today.

Fans and media converged outside the star's Poes Garden residence early Thursday morning. Rajinikanth's wife Latha Rajinikanth, informed the media that Rajinikanth was not in Chennai and was having a quiet birthday. She also informed that they'll soon share some good news about 'Kochadaiyaan'. Rajinikanth mostly prefers to celebrate his birthday quietly out of town with his friends. However in a rare gesture last year, the star had come out on his balcony and waved out to his fans. Rajinikanth is one of the top trending topics on twitter with fans sharing dialogues and Rajini jokes in 140 characters.

The star who was born in 1950 as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, debuted in the Tamil film 'Apoorva Ragangal' in 1975. After initially working as a villain in most movies, Rajinikanth tasted success in the late 70's as a commercial hero. His earnings in the recent film Sivaji, made him the second highest paid Asian actor after Jackie Chan. Rajinikanth also has been awarded the Padma Bhushan. His next film 'Kochaidaiyaan' alongwith Deepika Padukone will be a period film shot with 3D motion capture. The film is expected to release in early 2014.