As superstar Rajinikanth, now 74, celebrates a monumental milestone—50 years since his cinematic debut in the 1975 film Apoorva Raagangal—fans and film critics are reflecting on his incredible journey. While his humble beginnings as a bus conductor and coolie are well-known, a surprising revelation from a 2010 interview sheds light on an entirely different path he once considered.
In an interview with The Telegraph India, following the massive success of his film Enthiran, Rajinikanth candidly confessed that if he hadn’t become an actor, he might have been a smuggler or even an underworld don. “I told them, you give it to me later. Later, of course, I took,” he said, referring to his decision to take a share of the film’s profits rather than a fixed salary, a move that filled his “tijori.”
When reminded of a previous statement where he mentioned wanting to become a smuggler to make money, the actor doubled down on his past musings. “Yes, that is correct, an underworld don,” he affirmed. He quickly added, however, that “that phase is over, I’ve made enough money!”
This revelation is particularly intriguing given that Rajinikanth has famously played the role of a don in several of his films, including the 1980 hit Billa, the iconic 1985 film Baashha, and the 2016 gangster drama Kabali. It seems that while he didn’t pursue a life of crime in reality, he certainly mastered the persona on screen.
Celebrating a Golden Jubilee in Cinema
Rajinikanth’s journey from playing villains and supporting characters to becoming one of the most revered and highest-paid heroes in the country is a story of unmatched dedication and charisma. On the eve of his 50th anniversary in cinema, which coincides with the release of his new film, celebrities from across the country, including Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal, have been showering him with congratulations.
His latest film, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was released on August 14 and is already breaking box office records. The film’s overwhelming pre-sales and opening day collections are a testament to the enduring star power of Rajinikanth, proving that five decades in, his magic is as strong as ever.