Rajinikanth completes 50 years in cinema: Lesser-known facts about the ‘Coolie’ star

Rajinikanth has completed 50 golden years in cinema, and his journey from a simple bus conductor to one of the biggest stars in the world is nothing short of inspiring. From his humble jobs before acting to becoming a school syllabus hero, his life is full of moments that will surprise and motivate you. So, come, let’s look at some interesting and lesser-known facts about the Coolie star as he celebrates this grand milestone.

Before becoming a superstar, Rajinikanth lived a life full of struggles. He was born into a modest Marathi family in Bangalore. After school, he worked as a carpenter and coolie, taking on heavy labour jobs to earn money. Later, he became a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service. His colleagues recall that passengers often remembered him for his friendly smile and boundless energy.

Rajinikanth’s inspiring life story is part of the CBSE school syllabus in India, where students learn about his journey from being a bus conductor to becoming one of the most loved and highest-paid actors in Asia. This is rare for any film star, as school lessons usually focus on historical figures, scientists, or leaders. The chapter about him highlights his determination, discipline, and ability to stay humble despite massive success. Fittingly, it is titled From Bus Conductor to Superstar.

At the peak of his superstardom, Rajinikanth’s entry scenes in theatres were celebrated like a festival. Fans were so ecstatic when he appeared on screen that they would toss coins toward the screen as a sign of joy and respect. Sometimes the screens were damaged, prompting cinema halls to request fans to stop the practice. This tradition started in Tamil Nadu but soon spread to other states where his films were released. It became a unique symbol of fan devotion — an honour very few stars in the world have experienced.

During his days as a coolie, Rajinikanth had an experience that left a deep mark on him. He once met a former college mate who saw him carrying heavy loads at a construction site. Instead of offering words of support, the person mocked him, saying, “You used to act so big in college, and now look at you!” These words hurt Rajinikanth deeply and brought him to tears. He has said it was the first time in his life that he cried.

Rajinikanth has always embraced new technology in films. In the 1980s, his film Maveeran was among the first Tamil films to be shown in 70mm widescreen format, giving audiences a bigger and better visual experience. Later, he became one of the first Indian actors to use motion capture technology in films like Kochadaiiyaan. His 2010 science-fiction blockbuster Enthiran (Robot) was a turning point in Indian cinema, using advanced VFX and robotics themes that were rare in the industry.