Rajinikanth’s Bengali foray remains a rare highlight in a career spanning five decades and multiple languages. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, it’s worth revisiting his single Bengali cameo in the 1995 action drama Bhagya Debata, directed by choreographer Raghuram. In this film, Mithun Chakraborty stars as Jagadish Mondal, a champion for the oppressed, while Rajinikanth appears briefly as a singer in the title song.
How did this cameo come about? Reports suggest the invitation came at Mithun Chakraborty’s personal request, a gesture rooted in their longtime friendship. The song itself became one of the memorable moments of the movie, and Bhagya Debata boasted a strong Bengali cast, including renowned actors Soumitra Chattopadhyay and Rituparna Sengupta, which added depth to its ensemble.
Rajinikanth and Mithun Chakraborty aren’t strangers on screen; the two previously shared the spotlight in the 1989 Hindi film Bhrashtachar, marking another notable collaboration in their careers.
More about Rajinikanth
In 2025, Rajinikanth continued to add to his legendary filmography with Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. This film marks his 171st lead role, portraying Deva, a labor union leader who confronts a corrupt syndicate in a port town. Notably, Coolie also marks the first collaboration between Rajinikanth and Kanagaraj.
Set against Visakhapatnam’s rugged docks, Coolie follows Deva, a former dock worker who becomes a rebel after the mysterious death of his best friend. His pursuit of truth pulls back the curtain on a dangerous smuggling network and long-buried secrets. The film features a strong supporting lineup, including Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan.
Rajinikanth, who began acting in 1975 with K. Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal, stands as one of Tamil cinema’s most enduring icons. Over more than 50 years, he has delivered numerous landmark films such as Sivaji: The Boss, Enthiran (Robot), 2.0, Thalapathy, and Jailer, cementing his status as a global cinematic powerhouse.
