Star Names vs. Real Identities: The Faces Behind the Icons

New Delhi, February 25, 2026: In the glitzy world of Indian cinema, stage names often become the identity by which millions of fans swear. However, behind the larger-than-life personas of “Superstar,” “Thalapathy,” and “Bhai” lie humble beginnings and birth names that tell stories of heritage and family legacy.

Here is a deep dive into the real identities of three of India’s most iconic actors.

1. Shivaji Rao Gaekwad: The Bus Conductor Who Became ‘Rajinikanth’

Before he was the “Thalaiva” of Indian cinema, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was a young man working as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service (BTS). Born on December 12, 1950, into a Marathi family in Bangalore, he was named after the legendary Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji.

His journey from a bus conductor to a global phenomenon is the stuff of legend. While performing in local plays, he was discovered by the renowned director K. Balachander. It was Balachander who gave him the screen name Rajinikanth to avoid confusion with the veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan.

• The Persona: Known for his signature style—from flipping cigarettes to his unique walk—Rajinikanth transcended regional boundaries.
• Legacy: He has been honored with the Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2016). Today, he remains one of the highest-paid and most influential actors in the world.

2. Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar: The ‘Thalapathy’ of Millions

To the world, he is simply Vijay, but his birth certificate reads Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar. Born on June 22, 1974, in Chennai, Vijay was born into a family with deep roots in the film industry; his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, is a veteran director, and his mother, Shoba, is a playback singer.

Vijay’s rise to superstardom was not overnight. He started as a child artist and later made his debut as a lead actor in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992). Over the decades, he evolved from a romantic hero into a massive action star, earning the title “Thalapathy” (Commander).

• The Persona: He is celebrated for his incredible dancing skills and his ability to deliver socially conscious blockbusters.
• Current Transition: In a bold move for his career, as of 2024–2025, Vijay has begun pivoting toward a future in politics, launching his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), while continuing to dominate the box office with his final film projects.

3. Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan: The ‘Bhai’ of Bollywood

Widely known as the “Tiger” of Bollywood, Salman Khan’s full legal name is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan. Born on December 27, 1965, he is the eldest son of the legendary screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak (later Salma Khan).

His full name reflects a rich ancestry; his grandfather, Abdul Rashid Khan, was a high-ranking police officer in the Indore state during the British era. While the world calls him Salman, his close family and legal documents carry the weight of his ancestral lineage.

• The Persona: Since his breakout role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Salman has become the face of the “masala” entertainer. He is synonymous with the “Angry Young Man” mantle of the modern era and is famous for his philanthropic work through his foundation, Being Human.
• Box Office King: He holds the record for the most films in the “100-crore club” in Hindi cinema, proving that his name alone is a brand capable of carrying a film to success.

Comparison at a Glance

These names serve as a reminder that while fame can change how the world sees you, these actors remain deeply connected to the roots represented by their birth names.