Even as he gears up for the release of his much-awaited Coolie, Rajinikanth incidentally also completes 50 years in cinema this week. The actor had made his film debut with the K Balachander directorial Apoorva Raagangal, which released on August 15, 1975. Since morning, film personalities from all over the country have been wishing the superstar on the occasion. The latest to join the list is Venkatesh.

Taking to his X page, Venkatesh penned in Rajinikanth’s honour, “Heartfelt congratulations to the one and only Rajinikanth Sir on completing 50 magnificent years in cinema.” “Your journey, humility, craft and the love you’ve earned from all around the world are incomparable,” Venkatesh added in his post, wishing Rajinikanth ‘many more years of inspiring everyone.’

Earlier today, eminent figures like Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Mammootty and Mohanlal among many others wished the veteran superstar for the milestone. 

It is interesting that Rajinikanth and Venkatesh were two of the earliest pan-India stars in the 80s and 90s before pan-Indian cinema became a popular term. And yet, the two have worked together in a film.  Venkatesh was last seen in the Anil Ravipudi directorial Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which emerged as a massive boxoffice hit.