Superstar Rajinikanth evoked nostalgia and surprised many as he paid an unexpected visit to the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus stand in Bengaluru, where he had worked as a bus conductor before achieving cinematic fame. The 72-year-old actor took a trip down memory lane as he spent moments with BMTC drivers, conductors, and staff at the Jayanagar bus stand.
Rajinikanth, originally known as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, began his journey as a bus conductor in Bengaluru. It was the renowned Tamil director, the late K Balachander, who recognized his potential and introduced him as Rajinikanth in the hit film ‘Aboorva Ragangal’ in 1975. The actor’s surprise appearance at the BMTC bus stand triggered excitement among the Traffic Transit Management Center (TTMC) staff, who gathered around him, exchanged conversations, and captured selfies.
During his visit, Rajinikanth also paid a visit to the Raghavendra Swami Math, reflecting his strong connection to the city. He had previously portrayed the titular role in the movie ‘Sri Raghavendrar,’ a biographical depiction of the 16th-17th century saint-poet of the Madhva Sampradaya of Dvaita Vedanta philosophy.
Sources revealed that Rajinikanth spent his formative years in Bengaluru and resided there until the age of 22, before relocating to Chennai to pursue a career in the film industry. Notably, he worked as a conductor in the former Bangalore Transport Services (BTS), now recognized as BMTC.
Rajinikanth’s return to the silver screen after a hiatus of nearly two years was marked by the release of the film ‘Jailer,’ directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The film, which hit theaters earlier this month, has been well-received and is reported to be a significant success at the box office.
Sources By Agencies
