In an unprecedented moment in its century-long history, Hindustan Times transformed its entire front page into a dedicated tribute to one man Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, known to the world as Superstar Rajinikanth celebrating his 50 iconic years in Indian cinema.
For the first time in 100 years, the national daily replaced its traditional front-page format with “Rajinikanth Times,” a full-length homage produced in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video. The gesture marked the golden jubilee of the Thalaivar, whose journey from a Bengaluru bus conductor to one of the biggest cinematic legends continues to define Indian pop culture.
The HT masthead was redesigned for the day, and the front page showcased Rajinikanth’s five-decade timeline from his debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975) to his more recent blockbuster Jailer (2023). The newspaper traded its usual hard-news tone for a celebratory, larger-than-life tribute befitting the man whose style, dialogue delivery, and charisma have shaped generations of cinema-goers.
“50 years didn’t make him a legend; he made the last 50 years legendary,” read the headline a sentiment echoed by the editorial team, which described the tribute as one reserved for someone “whose influence transcends cinema and becomes cultural mythology.”
The publication said the commemorative edition serves as a “virtual shrine” for Thalaivar fans, adding that the tribute is not merely a celebration of an actor but a testament to an enduring cultural phenomenon.
“‘Rajinikanth Times’ is history printed in ink,” Hindustan Times said. “In a country where stars come and go, Rajinikanth remains eternal.”
