It was on August 15, 1975, when Rajinikanth made his first screen presence with his debut film, Apoorva Raagangal. Although he was cast in a small role, Rajinikanth’s performance stood out and got him appreciation from the critics. His debut was followed by some brief roles as an antagonist. However, with films like Billa, Don, Moondru Mugam, Thalapathi, Padayappa, Sivaji and many others, Rajinikanth carved his own path in the Indian cinema.
The superstar Rajinikanth enjoys a God like status in India, with temples built in his name, milk being poured on his posters and offerings being made in the temples for him. In a career spanning 50 years, Rajinikanth acted in over 170 films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Malayalam. Even at the age of 74, Rajinikanth is the highest-paid and most sought-after actor in Indian cinema.
Despite his magnanimous success in the industry, Rajinikanth has always been humble. Unlike his contemporaries, Rajinikanth never hid his age with wigs. The actor, who hails from a humble background, never took his popularity for granted. As the iconic actor completes 50 years in the industry, let us look at the time when he was a real-life coolie and bus conductor.
Rajinikanth’s life as a real-life coolie and bus conductor
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad into a Marathi family in Karnataka. His mother was a homemaker, and his father was a police constable. Rajinikanth was enrolled in an ashram after his mother’s death, where he began acting in plays. However, after completing his course, he took on various odd jobs. He worked as a coolie and later got a job as a bus conductor at Bangalore Transport Service (BTS) and earned a salary of Rs. 750. Speaking about the same, he said:
“When I dropped out of college, my father sent me to work as a coolie.”
During the time when Rajinikanth used to work as a coolie, a friend of his saw him carrying the burden of heavy loads at a construction site. However, instead of offering him comforting words, he mocked the actor, stating, “You used to act so big in college, and now look at you!” The words pinched him so hard that he broke out in tears.
Rajinikanth charmed people in the bus with his signature moves
Rajinikanth is known for his signature style in movies. His iconic flipping the sunglasses, flickering a cigarette and swaying his hair has been a hit among the masses. But do you know, Rajinikanth’s signature style has always been a part of the actor ever since he was a conductor. When he worked as a conductor, Rajinikanth often charmed the ladies. He would just flip his hair when the wind blew, and it was a delight for the females to see him in his heroic act.
Rajinikanth is featured in the school syllabus
Rajinikanth’s inspiring story and struggles have been a part of the CBSE school syllabus in India. Students are taught about the actor’s struggles and his journey from a bus conductor to the icon of Indian cinema. It is very rare to have a film star feature in a school syllabus. The chapter, titled From Bus Conductor to Superstar, highlights his hard work and dedication towards his craft.
Rajinikanth’s marriage to Latha Rangachari
The superstar Rajnikanth fell in love with Latha Rangachari during a chance encounter. He fell head over heels in love with her. It so happened that Latha, a student of English literature at Ethiraj College in Chennai, was assigned to interview Rajinikanth for the college magazine. When Rajinikanth came face-to-face with Latha for the interview, he decided to marry her.
During the interview, Rajinikanth proposed to Latha and didn’t give her a moment to decide. He later met her parents, and with the consent of both families, the duo got married on February 26, 1981, in a traditional South Indian style wedding at the famous Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati. Soon, they became parents to two lovely girls, Aishwaryaa and Soundarya.
Did you know that Rajinikanth was a real-life coolie before becoming a superstar? Let us know.
Also Read: ‘Coolie’ Actor, Rajinikanth’s First Love Encouraged His Acting, Left Without A Trace, ‘You Act Well’