Rajinikanth, fondly called Thalaivar by his fans, is more than just a superstar—he’s a phenomenon. Over a career spanning five decades, he has acted in more than 170 films across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and other Indian languages.
His on-screen style, magnetic presence, and unique dialogue delivery have made him a household name. But behind every blockbuster, there has always been a leading lady who matched his charisma and brought balance to his powerful performances.
From fresh talents to legendary actresses, Rajinikanth Films and Heroines has shared the screen with an extraordinary range. Here’s a look at some of the iconic pairings and the memorable films they created together.
Rajinikanth films and heroines – The Early Years: 1970s to Early 1980s
Rajinikanth’s early films introduced him alongside some of the most respected actresses of the time. Srividya was one of his first heroines in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), where his role was small but impactful. Soon after, he appeared with Sujatha in films like Avargal, showing a softer, more emotional side.
One of his most frequent collaborators was Sripriya, with whom he acted in an impressive 28 films. Their chemistry was evident in movies like Billa and Bhairavi, where they played everything from intense romantic leads to action-driven partners.
During this period, Sridevi also emerged as a recurring co-star. Films like Moondru Mudichu, Priya, and Pokkiri Raja showcased their sparkling on-screen pairing, often mixing glamour with drama.
The Golden Phase: Mid-1980s to 1990s
The mid-1980s saw Rajinikanth cementing his position as a box-office king, and his heroines were equally popular. Radhika starred opposite him in hits such as Nallavanukku Nallavan and Pokkiri Raja. Her strong characters often complemented Rajini’s larger-than-life roles.
Ambika, Radha, and Madhavi brought their own charm to films like Thee, Paayum Puli, and Dharmathin Thalaivan. Each brought a distinct style—Ambika with her elegance, Radha with her youthful energy, and Madhavi with her screen intensity.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Khushbu became a favorite co-star. Films like Annamalai, Mannan, and Pandiyan turned their pairing into a fan favorite, blending romance with powerful drama. Around the same time, Meena entered the scene. Interestingly, Meena first acted with Rajinikanth as a child artist in Anbulla Rajinikanth, later becoming his heroine in Muthu, Veera, and Yejaman.
Iconic Pairings of the Late 1990s and 2000s
The late ’90s gave fans one of the most celebrated Rajini pairings: Ramya Krishnan in Padayappa (1999). Though she played an antagonist, her fierce presence and magnetic performance made her one of the most memorable women in a Rajini film. Alongside her, Soundarya delivered a heartfelt performance as the gentle love interest.
The early 2000s saw Rajinikanth experimenting with new heroines and younger talents. In Baba (2002), he was paired with Manisha Koirala, marking a mix of Tamil mass cinema with Bollywood glamour.
By mid-2000s, Shriya Saran joined the list of popular co-stars with Sivaji: The Boss (2007). Their pairing brought a refreshing mix of style and romance, with Shriya holding her own in the grand Shankar-directed spectacle.
The Modern Era: 2010s Onwards
The 2010s marked a new chapter in Rajinikanth’s career. His films became bigger in scale and attracted pan-Indian audiences, leading to collaborations with some of Bollywood’s biggest names.
In Enthiran (2010), Rajini shared the screen with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a sci-fi blockbuster that broke records. Their glamorous pairing, combined with Shankar’s visual storytelling, became one of the decade’s highlights.
Lingaa (2014) saw him working alongside Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty, balancing historical drama with modern action. The same year, he starred opposite Deepika Padukone in the animated epic Kochadaiiyaan.
In Kabali (2016), Radhika Apte took on a more grounded, emotional role, playing Rajini’s wife in a storyline that mixed gangster drama with personal tragedy. Two years later, Kaala (2018) brought Huma Qureshi into the mix, where she played a strong, independent character opposite Rajini’s rebellious don.
Rajinikanth films and heroines – Recent Years and Continuing Legacy
Even as he moves into his late 70s, Rajinikanth films and heroines continues to work with Nayanthara, one of Tamil cinema’s reigning queens, has been a recurring co-star, appearing in Chandramukhi (2005), Darbar (2020), and Annaatthe (2021). Their pairing combines Rajini’s veteran screen presence with Nayanthara’s contemporary star power.
Each of these heroines, whether from Tamil cinema or Bollywood, has contributed to the magic of Rajinikanth’s films. They’ve brought romance, drama, humor, and emotional depth, making the Superstar’s journey richer and more varied. And the newly releasing movie Coolie, featuring Rajinikanth and Shruti Haasan, promises a high-voltage mix of style, action, and charisma—making it one of 2025’s most anticipated blockbusters.”
