Lot of hype and hoopla about the book - anything about the superstar is bound to generate all the noise.

A book on superstar Rajinikanth has been a long time coming. A rags-to-riches story to beat all others; a Bangalore bus conductor from an impoverished background going on the become a legend and the highest paid actor in India beating stars like Big B is a story that needed to be told. Gayathri Sreekanth certainly does that and more. 
The book runs across two different trails. There’s the story of young Shivaji Rao Gaekwad and his early life and times, friends, vices and how he goes on to become Super Star Rajini. The other story is his travails and struggles with his success and fame and wealth, most of which astounded Rajini himself – his big question being “what do I have that I deserve this?” Alternating chapters progress both story lines and it is an interesting style of writing allowing the reader to keep pace with both at the same time instead a of a single rags-to-riches rise. 
The first story is actually more interesting – mostly because not many know much about the family background and details of this reclusive person and his humble beginnings, something he has never forgotten despite his astounding success. The second story has been well covered in the film media over the years and that it is all in one place is the positive factor. 
His trysts with political leaders – look out for the meeting with PM PV Narasimha Rao – are lesser known anecdotes and incidents that add to the interest factor of the book. The book is interspersed with several photographs – both color and B/W – although not many are truly rare ones. 
The fact of the matter is that the Rajini magic – something Gayathri alludes to right through the book – is built on his awesome screen charisma and presence and it is hard for a book to replicate this. Right from children to women to the masses and classes – people across age groups and economic strata enjoy his movies, although the classes might pretend otherwise. If you watched his last release “Sivaji” in a cinema theatre you will understand what we are talking about. At one level, the movie is downright silly. But when the superstar comes on screen, you know you are in the presence of a true magician. Suspend belief, get the pop corn out and just enjoy the ride. At this level, the movie works – and how! 
This is the magic that defines Rajini and the book makes a valiant effort in capturing this on print.

 Really, you do not need to be a “Thalaivar” fan to enjoy this book. But it helps.