Superstar Rajinikanth's Surprise Stop: A Day To Remember At Bengaluru Bus Depot

Superstar Rajinikanth pleasantly surprised the staff at a bus depot in Bengaluru on Tuesday, revisiting his humble beginnings as a bus conductor. During his impromptu visit to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) depot, he interacted with drivers, conductors, and helpers, even taking photographs with them.

Rajinikanth, renowned for his contribution to over 160 films, including his recent release 'Jailer,' which has raked in a staggering Rs 600 crore worldwide, was born in Bengaluru. Before his cinematic journey, he pursued various odd jobs, eventually landing a role as a bus conductor with the transport corporation.

Even in those early days, Rajinikanth's innate showmanship shone through. Passengers on his buses were often treated to his entertaining antics, leading some to suggest that he venture into acting. His unique style of issuing tickets and returning change garnered attention, and he became a favorite among passengers who would wait for his bus.

Transitioning to the world of cinema, Rajinikanth ventured into Kannada stage plays, gaining recognition for his portrayal of the villainous Duryodhan in a Mahabharata adaptation. His break came when director K Balachander noticed his talent during a stage performance and advised him to learn Tamil. Subsequently, Rajinikanth's first cinematic role arrived in the 1975 Tamil movie "Apoorva Raagangal."

Acknowledging his pivotal influence, Rajinikanth credited Raj Bahadur, a former bus driver, for recognizing his acting potential during his time as a bus conductor. In his 2021 Dadasaheb Phalke Award acceptance speech, Rajinikanth expressed gratitude to Bahadur for encouraging him to explore acting, ultimately leading him to join the Madras Film Institute for formal training.

The unexpected visit to the BMTC depot rekindled memories of Rajinikanth's journey from a bus conductor to a cinematic legend, exemplifying his deep-rooted connection to Bengaluru and the public who once witnessed his early performances onboard their buses.