Rajinikanth is a legendary figure in Indian cinema, known for his immense popularity and respect. However, his journey to stardom wasn’t always smooth. One notable incident from the 1970s, shared by Rajinikanth himself, highlights a challenging moment that significantly shaped his career.
At the audio launch of his film *Darbar* in January 2020, Rajinikanth recounted a painful experience from his early days as an actor. He spoke about a time when a producer deeply insulted him, a moment that eventually contributed to his rise as a superstar.
Rajinikanth was cast in a project with an agreed payment of Rs. 6000. He requested an advance to secure his role. On the day of the shoot, the advance had not been paid, but Rajinikanth proceeded to the set, expecting the producer to fulfill the promise.
Upon arrival, the production manager asked him to sit for makeup, but Rajinikanth refused until he received the advance. He stated, “I told him that I wouldn’t proceed without getting Rs. 1,000.”
The producer, displeased with Rajinikanth’s insistence on the advance, reacted harshly. Arriving in a luxurious car, the producer questioned Rajinikanth’s status as an artist and told him, “Are you a big artist or what? Just because you’ve done a few films, won’t you sit for makeup without advance? No character for you. Get out.”
Rejected and insulted, Rajinikanth was forced to walk home since the producer refused to offer him a ride. On his way, he noticed that people recognized him and shouted lines from his recent film. Initially, he thought they were mocking him. However, this experience ignited a determination in him to achieve success and return to that studio with a foreign car.
Rajinikanth promised himself that he would return to the studio only after achieving significant success. He set a goal to own a foreign car and worked hard to make it happen. Eventually, he bought an Italian Fiat and hired a chauffeur in uniform.
True to his word, Rajinikanth returned to the studio where he was once humiliated. He arrived in style, with his car parked where the producer’s car used to be. Rajinikanth recalled, “With one leg over the other, I was sitting royally. My car entered AVM Studios and Robinson parked the car where the producer used to park. I got down and smoked two cigarettes. Many thought the Governor had come.”
Rajinikanth’s Career Achievements
As of 2023, Rajinikanth continues to shine in his career with major hits like Lal Salaam and Jailer. He is set to star in two upcoming films Vettaiyan (releasing in 2024) and Coolie (releasing in 2025).
