Rajinikanth says he identifies as a bus conductor, loved the job more than acting

Superstar Rajinikanth may have spent decades ruling the big screen, but the actor says he still identifies himself as a bus conductor at heart. Looking back at his life before stardom, the 75-year-old revealed that he loved his days as a bus conductor more than acting and continues to cherish those memories.Speaking at the Jailer 2 Super Show, Rajinikanth said his five years as a bus conductor remain among the most memorable periods of his life. Despite the fame, adulation and superstardom that followed, he admitted that he had never quite been able to identify with the larger-than-life image attached to his name."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 said.Rajinikanth's remarks offer a glimpse into the life he led before becoming one of Indian cinema's biggest stars. His journey from working as a bus conductor in Bengaluru to becoming a superstar remains an integral part of his public persona. Rajinikanth on playing lead roles at 75The actor also spoke about continuing to play lead roles at 75, crediting the unwavering affection of his fans for his longevity in cinema."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 said. He added that the love and support he receives encouraged major production houses to work with him and filmmakers such as director Nelson Dilipkumar to 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 said.Rajinikanth recalls K Balachander's lessonsAt the event, Rajinikanth also reflected on the lessons he learnt from his mentor, legendary filmmaker K Balachander, and how they shaped his approach to acting."Once we have said yes to a film, we shouldn't be thinking about it only when we are on set. We should always be thinking about it. People like Kamal Haasan and I come from the 'K Balachander school.' When we are acting, he won't say anything. But if we make a mistake, he will come to us and ask why we did what we did without thinking. Then he will scold us and tell us that we should always be thinking about the character we are playing. That's how you can completely immerse yourself in the character," he said.The superstar also shared his thoughts on maintaining a positive outlook, emphasising the importance of one's mindset."Your thinking should be correct. If your thoughts are positive, it will create vibrations on its own. Negative thoughts affect you. No matter what, we all have only 24 hours, right? So, why don't we continue having positive thoughts?" he said.Rajinikanth's next film is Jailer 2Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 is the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster of the same name, which emerged as a major commercial success. The upcoming film has generated considerable anticipation among Rajinikanth's fans, who are hoping for another blockbuster from the actor.At the event, Nelson also spoke about Rajinikanth's modest entourage and the easygoing relationship he shares with the people around him."Of all the people I have worked with, you are the person who arrives on sets with the least number of staff. They tease him at least five times a day, and he mostly spends quality time with them," the director said.As anticipation builds for Jailer 2, Rajinikanth's recollection of his bus conductor days serves as a reminder of the life he led before fame — and the identity he says he continues to hold close, even after decades of superstardom.- Ends