Rajinikanth Recalls Humbling Experience of Being Thrown Out of a Film Before Achieving Stardom
At the audio launch of his 2020 film Darbar, superstar Rajinikanth captivated the audience with a deeply personal anecdote about his early struggles in the industry, a time when he faced a humbling experience that would later become the fuel for his rise to superstardom. Known for his engaging storytelling and distinctive style, Rajinikanth shared this unforgettable story with a mix of humor and inspiration, leaving the audience in awe.
This incident took place in the late 1970s, a time when Rajinikanth was still carving a niche in the film industry, often cast in supporting roles or as an antagonist. Reflecting on this period, he described how a producer’s dismissal pushed him to work relentlessly towards success. “16 Vayadhiniley had just released, and people started recognizing me as ‘Parattai’,” he began. At that time, Rajinikanth was offered a role alongside a bigger star in an upcoming film. The role seemed promising, and after negotiating his salary, he settled for Rs 6,000. However, he requested a small advance to confirm the deal, which was customary. Despite the producer’s assurances, Rajinikanth did not receive any payment ahead of the shoot, and this soon led to an unexpected clash.
On the day of the shoot, Rajinikanth arrived at AVM Studios, only to find that his payment still hadn’t come through. Frustrated by the unkept promises, he decided not to begin shooting. “The production manager tried convincing me, saying that the other hero had already arrived,” Rajinikanth recounted. But he stood firm, waiting for the producer’s arrival. “The producer eventually stormed in, furious, and threw me out of the project, saying I wasn’t a big enough artist to make demands.” The words stung deeply, yet they sparked a fire within the young actor.
To make matters worse, Rajinikanth wasn’t offered transport back home, and, having no money on him, he began the long walk home. Along the way, he encountered fans who were mimicking his famous dialogues from 16 Vayadhiniley, a reminder of his growing popularity. “I was so upset that I thought they were mocking me,” he admitted. However, as he walked, a determination formed within him. “I promised myself that one day, if I didn’t return to that same studio in a foreign car, I wasn’t Rajinikanth,” he said, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience.
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This incident marked a turning point in his career, pushing Rajinikanth to work tirelessly to achieve his dreams. Over the next two years, he focused on establishing himself as a force in Indian cinema, ultimately rising to become the beloved icon he is today. The culmination of this journey came when he purchased his first foreign car—an Italian-made Fiat worth Rs 4.25 lakh, previously owned by AVM Studios’ proprietors. “At that time, my street couldn’t even accommodate the car, but I was proud,” Rajinikanth shared, smiling.
Not only did he buy a luxury car, but he also hired a 6-foot-tall Anglo-Indian driver named Robinson to drive it. “He wore a uniform with a belt and a cap,” Rajinikanth chuckled, recounting how they drove straight to AVM Studios, where Robinson parked the car in the exact spot where the producer who once dismissed him used to park. “People thought the Governor had come,” he laughed, adding that he got out of the car, lit a cigarette, and then visited his mentor, director K Balachander, to seek his blessings.
As he concluded the story, Rajinikanth clarified that the point wasn’t to boast, but to illustrate that anyone can achieve greatness with perseverance, resilience, and blessings from others. “Everyone has a place under the sun,” he affirmed, as the audience erupted into applause. This story has become one of Rajinikanth’s most famous motivational anecdotes, reminding fans of his modest roots and unbreakable spirit.
Rajinikanth’s rise from an aspiring actor to a superstar is a testament to his determination and humility. His ability to stay grounded despite his achievements continues to inspire millions. The actor’s next project, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, promises to be another exciting addition to his legacy, and fans eagerly await to see how he will bring his legendary charisma to this new role.
