Veteran actor Rajinikanth at 75 says he still cannot identify with superstardom, reveals his job as a bus conductor made him happy, says ‘I still miss it’.
Updated: October 13, 2026, 1:32 PM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/entertainment/regional/rajinikanth-recalls-bus-conductor-days-says-he-still-tears-up-seeing-khaki-uniform-i-loved-more-than-acting-8535599/
Rajinikanth (PC-Instagram)
Long before Rajinikanth became one of Indian cinema’s biggest superstars, he worked as a bus conductor in BengaluruEven after decades in films and a massive fan following, the actor says those years remain close to his heartSpeaking at the Jailer 2 Super Show, the 75-year-old star recalled his time as a conductor and admitted that he still finds it difficult to relate to the fame surrounding him.
Rajinikanth says he loved being a bus conductor
Rajinikanth said his five years as a bus conductor were among the happiest periods of his lifeHe added that visiting Bengaluru and seeing the buses and khaki uniforms brings back strong memories. “I love acting, of courseBut I loved my bus conductor job much more than thatThose five years as a conductor were truly amazingI still miss itSo, deep down, I believe I am a conductor and always will beTo be frank, I still can’t identify with superstardom and all the fameThat’s why I go to Bengaluru once in a whileWhen I see that bus, it brings happiness to meWhen I see that khaki dress, my eyes tear up without me realising itI identify myself as a bus conductor,” he said.
His journey from working as a bus conductor to becoming a leading star remains an important part of his life storyDespite his success, Rajinikanth says he continues to feel connected to his early years.
Rajinikanth’s ID card Bangalore Transport Service (PC- Twitter)
Rajinikanth credits fans for his success at 75
The actor also spoke about continuing to play lead roles at 75He credited the love and support of his fans for his long career and said his success would not have been possible without them. “I am 75 nowMany people ask me how I am still playing lead rolesEllam 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 nothingI’m just a blade of grass,” he said.
Rajinikanth added that the support of his fans has encouraged major production houses to work with him and filmmakers such as Nelson Dilipkumar to continue making films 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 meI don’t know how to repay your loveI am falling at your feet,” he said.
Rajinikanth recalls lessons from mentor K Balachander
At the event, Rajinikanth also spoke about the influence of legendary filmmaker K Balachander on his approach to actingHe explained how his mentor taught him to keep thinking about a character even when he was not on set. “Once we have said yes to a film, we shouldn’t be thinking about it only when we are on setWe should always be thinking about itPeople like Kamal Haasan and I come from the ‘K Balachander school.’ When we are acting, he won’t say anythingBut if we make a mistake, he will come to us and ask why we did what we did without thinkingThen he will scold us and tell us that we should always be thinking about the character we are playingThat’s how you can completely immerse yourself in the character,” he said.
The superstar also shared his thoughts on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “Your thinking should be correctIf your thoughts are positive, it will create vibrations on its ownNegative thoughts affect youNo matter what, we all have only 24 hours, right? So, why don’t we continue having positive thoughts?” he said.
Nelson Dilipkumar talks about Rajinikanth’s simplicity
Director Nelson Dilipkumar, who has teamed up with Rajinikanth for Jailer 2, also spoke about the actor’s simple approach on film setsHe pointed out that the superstar usually arrives with a small team and enjoys spending time 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 staffThey tease him at least five times a day, and he mostly spends quality time with them,” the director said.
Rajinikanth’s next film is Jailer 2
Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 is the sequel to Rajinikanth’s 2023 blockbuster JailerThe first film was a major commercial success, and the sequel has generated considerable interest among fans eager to see the actor return as Muthuvel Pandian.
As anticipation builds for the film, Rajinikanth’s memories of his days as a bus conductor offer a glimpse into the person behind the superstar imageEven after decades of fame, the actor says he continues to identify with the job he held before entering the film industry.
