Rajinikanth has undoubtedly built a career dominating the big screen for decades. However, ahead of his upcoming film Jailer 2, the actor revealed that he still identifies himself as a bus conductor at heart despite his illustrious acting career. Reflecting on his life before stardom, the 75-year-old said that he loved his days as a bus conductor more than acting and that he continues to cherish those memories even today
Rajinikanth misses his bus conductor job
While speaking at the Jailer 2 Super Show, Rajinikanth revealed that his five years as a bus conductor continue to be the most memorable days of his life. Despite the fame and superstardom that followed, Rajinikanth admitted that he has never quite been able to identify with the larger-than-life image.
“I love acting, of course. But I loved my bus conductor job much more than that. Those five years as a conductor were truly amazing. I still miss it. So, deep down, I believe I am a conductor and always will be. To be frank, I still can’t identify with superstardom and all the fame. That’s why I go to Bengaluru once in a while. When I see that bus, it brings happiness to me. When I see that khaki dress, my eyes tear up without me realising it. I identify myself as a bus conductor,” he shared.
Rajinikanth’s comments offer a glimpse into the life that the superstar led before becoming one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. For the unversed, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor in Bengaluru before stepping into showbiz and making his debut with the 1975 Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander.
Rajinikanth on playing lead roles at 75
During the event, the actor also spoke about playing lead roles at 75. He humbly credited the unwavering affection of his fans for his long run in cinema.
He said, “I am 75 now. Many people ask me how I am still playing lead roles. Ellam enna vaazha vaikum daivangalana, rasikka varum Tamil makkalala thaan (It is all because of the Tamil people, who are like gods to me, who come and celebrate my work). Without them, I am nothing. I’m just a blade of grass.”
He further added that the love and support he gets from fans has encouraged major production houses to work with him and that filmmakers such as his Jailer 2 director Nelson Dilipkumar continue collaborating with him.
“It’s because of your love and support that big production houses are coming forward to work with me, and creative directors like Nelson are making films with me. I don’t know how to repay your love. I am falling at your feet,” he added.
Jailer 2: Rajinikanth says he loved his bus conductor job more than acting
