Born in Bangalore in 1950 with the original name Shivajirao Gaikwad, Rajinikanth's early education took place at Acharya Pathashala in Bangalore. He furthered his studies at Vivekananda Balak Sangh, a part of the Ramakrishna Mission, where he delved into the Vedas, Indian culture, and history, and even performed in theatrical productions.