Happy Birthday Rajinikanth: Film fraternity wishes 'dream co-star and legend' health and happiness alwaysDec 12 (AZINS) The Thalaiva of Indian film industry, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, popularly known as Rajinikanth, turns a year older on December 12.

The legendary actor who started his career in films in the year 1975, has made a mark with his brilliant performance and humble demeanor.

Rajinikanth is not just a superstar to his fans and followers, but also an inspiration to several of his colleagues and friends.

And as the actor turns 68 on Wednesday, his friends and fellow celebrities from Bollywood and South film industry, have come in unison to extend their warm wishes and shower him with all the love and respect he deserves.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who can be seen sharing screen space with rajinikanth in 2.0 took to his Twitter and shared a birthday wish for Thalaiva.

He wrote, "A dream co-star and a legend in every right! You are an epitome of simplicity and it was an absolute honour to work with you. #HappyBirthdaySuperstar @rajinikanth."

The Shehenshah of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan too wished the actor by sharing several memorable photos with with him, alongw with a message which reads, "Happy birthday Rajni .. Dec 12 th .. friend colleague and a sensation ever !!"

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who will next be seen in Petta with the superstar, also wished the actor. He took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Happiest Birthday to the SuperStar @Rajnikanth #Thalaiva."

Colleague and best friends with Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan also wished the actor on Twitter in Tamil.

Abhishek Bachchan too wished 'Rajini uncle' on Twitter. He wrote, "Happy Birthday Thalaiva! Have a wonderful year Rajni uncle. @rajinikanth"

Actor Rana Daggubati's wish reads, "THE NAME IS RAJINIKANTH!! #hbdsuperstarrajinikanth"

"Wishing the one & only Superstar #Rajinikanth, a very #HappyBirthday ! Your dynamic style & personality has always inspired us ! Wish you great health & happiness always ! #Ting #HBDSuperStarRajinikanth !," wrote Preity Zinta.

South star Mahesh Babu also wished Thalaiva stating that he is an inspiration to many.

"Here's wishing the man who's been an inspiration for generations, @rajinikanth sir, a very happy birthday!!! Wish you good health & happiness always!  #HBDSuperStarRajinikanth," wrote Mahesh Babu.

On the work front, Rajinikanth was last seen in 2.0, a sequel to 2010 film Enthiran, which had released in Hindi as Robot.