Actor Rajinikanth opens up on his early bus conductor days and career mindset at Jailer 2 event

Superstar Rajinikanth revealed at the Jailer 2 Super Show that he still identifies as a bus conductor and deeply misses his old profession from before he entered films. The 75-year-old actor stated that his five years working as a conductor were amazing and that seeing a bus or a khaki dress in Bengaluru still brings him to tears. He added that he cannot truly identify with superstardom and fame.

Career and Mentorship

Rajinikanth credited his ongoing lead roles to the unwavering support of the Tamil people, whom he described as gods who celebrate his work and allow big production houses and directors like Nelson Dilipkumar to work with him. Discussing his enthusiasm for cinema at age 75, he explained that he treats work like a game and loves it too much for it to feel like a burden. He also recalled lessons from his mentor, legendary director K Balachander, who taught him to constantly think about his characters and immerse himself fully in them.

Context

Rajinikanth remains one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema, with a career spanning decades that has earned him a massive, devoted fan base in Tamil Nadu and beyond. Upcoming projects like Jailer 2 generate high expectations following the commercial success of earlier films in his career.