A video grab of Rajinikanth speaking about his school days. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rajinikanth, one of the biggest superstars of Indian cinema, loves the stage. His love for theater dates back to his school days, before moving to Madras (now Chennai) to try his luck in films. Before the world embraced him as Rajinikanth, the veteran star, known as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, studied at Acharya Pathshala Public School (popularly known as APS) in NR Colony, South Bengaluru.
Reminiscing, Rajinikanth surprised fans by talking about his early association with acting in school. In a video message in Kannada released on Saturday (January 18) ahead of the institute’s 90th anniversary celebrations, the actor recalled winning an inter-high school drama competition. “I like telling stories and imitating people. My classmate liked listening to me. Knowing this, my teachers at APS encouraged me to participate in a drama competition,” he said.
“It was a big event in which 15-20 schools participated. I was part of the scene where Adi Shankara meets Chandala. Maybe I looked like Chandaal, so I got the role,” said Rajinikanth, who is known for his self-deprecating humour. “I won the Best Actor award,” he said.
“Perhaps my love for acting started from then, and even today, I continue to entertain you all with my skills. I am proud of the time I spent in APS school and college,” said Rajinikanth, an APS student during the 1960s. The 74-year-old apologized for his unavailability at the alumni meet due to his shooting commitments, saying, “My days at the institute will always be remembered.”
Rajinikanth as a student Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Other Star Alumni
Bharat Ratna Professor CNR Rao, Padma Vibhushan recipient Roddam Narasimha, Kannada star Upendra and Lahari Velu of Lahari Recording Company are alumni of APS. Alumni meeting to celebrate the 90th anniversary of APS will be held on January 26, 2025.
During the pre-release event of his film last year jailer, He thrilled the audience with his memories of playing the role of Duryodhana in a play during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations in Bengaluru. This was the time when he was a BTS bus conductor, still unaware of his fate.
The actor is currently working for Lokesh Kanagaraj Coolie and nelson’s Jailer 2.
published – January 18, 2025 10:02 PM IST
