Superstar Rajinikanth has once again spoken about the years he spent as a bus conductor in Bengaluru before entering the film industry, explaining why the job remains a part of his identity despite decades of fame. The actor’s reflections came during a promotional conversation connected with Jailer 2, where he discussed humility, his career and the memories that still make him feel connected to ordinary working life.
Why the conductor years still matter
Before becoming one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable stars, Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, worked as a bus conductor in Bengaluru. He has recalled spending around five years in the role. In the recent conversation, he said he enjoyed the job deeply and continues to miss those days. For him, the experience was more than an early chapter in his biography; it shaped the way he sees himself.
‘I identify myself as a bus conductor’
Rajinikanth explained that he has never fully identified with the image of a superstar. He enjoys acting, but his old profession remains emotionally close. He has also spoken about how seeing buses and conductors in khaki uniforms can bring back memories and move him. The comments struck a chord with fans because they offer a glimpse of the person behind the familiar screen persona.
A connection with Bengaluru
Bengaluru occupies a special place in the actor’s life because of those early working years. He has said that he continues to visit the city and feels a connection to the people and routines he remembers. His story is often shared as an example of how a person’s beginnings can remain important even after extraordinary professional success.
Gratitude, discipline and humility
Rajinikanth’s reflections also touch on the role of audiences, mentors and colleagues in his career. His rise from a working-class background to a major film star has become part of his public story, but his remarks suggest that he does not want fame to erase his earlier identity. Fans often admire his distinctive style and screen presence; these comments reveal a more personal side of that relationship with the public.
Why the story resonates with fans
Many people remember their first jobs, early colleagues and the routines that shaped them. Rajinikanth’s account makes that connection visible on a much larger stage. It is a reminder that success does not require someone to disown their past, and that meaningful work can leave a lasting emotional imprint long after a career changes direction.
The remarks were reported by The Indian Express and other outlets covering the Jailer 2 promotional event.
