Rajinikanth Admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai: Health Issues Late at Night; Heart Surgery Expected Today According to Hospital Sources

Superstar Rajinikanth was admitted to Chennai’s Apollo Hospital late at night on September 30th, reportedly due to complaints of stomach pain. According to hospital sources, Rajinikanth is set to undergo heart surgery today. His condition is currently stable.

Providing an update on his health, Rajinikanth’s wife, Latha, informed a media channel that “everything is fine.” Over the past several years, Rajinikanth has faced multiple health issues. In 2016, he also underwent a kidney transplant in the United States.

Rajinikanth’s Journey from a Coolie and Bus Conductor to a Superstar

Before becoming an actor, Rajinikanth worked as a coolie and a bus conductor. His family faced financial difficulties in the early days, leading him to take up work as a coolie. Due to his low income, Rajinikanth also did various other small jobs. Eventually, due to his skills, he secured a job as a bus conductor with the Bangalore Transport Company.

Rajinikanth, with his powerful voice and unique style, used to hand out tickets in a way that drew everyone’s attention. Passengers were captivated by his charm, and he was well-liked by other conductors and drivers.

One day, playwright Topi Muniappa was traveling on the bus when he noticed Rajinikanth’s distinct style. Impressed by his persona, he immediately offered Rajinikanth a role in his play. Rajinikanth agreed, and while continuing his job as a conductor, he began his acting career as well.

Rajinikanth’s Love Story with a Medical Student and Her Encouragement to Become a Hero

While working as a bus conductor, Rajinikanth developed a friendship with Nirmala, a medical student studying in Bangalore. Over time, they grew fond of each other and eventually fell in love. One day, Rajinikanth invited his girlfriend to watch a play he was performing in.

Rajinikanth’s acting was so impressive that his girlfriend told him, “You should become a hero.” Eager to learn acting himself, Rajinikanth was inspired by her encouragement. One day, Nirmala filled out the admission form for the Madras Film Institute, which ultimately led to Rajinikanth gaining admission there.

When Family Disapproved, a Conductor Friend Came to the Rescue

Rajinikanth’s poor family was against his decision to pursue acting. However, his friend and co-worker, Raj Bahadur, provided financial assistance, enabling Rajinikanth to gain admission to the acting course. During his time at the institute, one day, he caught the attention of the renowned South Indian director K. Balachander.

Balachander told him that if he could learn the Tamil language, he would cast him in his film. Within a few days, Rajinikanth developed a strong command of Tamil and landed a role in the film Apoorva Raagangal (1975).

At the age of 25, Rajinikanth played a supporting role alongside actors Kamal Haasan and Srividya. Despite being a newcomer, he managed to capture everyone’s attention with his remarkable talent from his very first film.

This film won three National Awards. In the early stages of his career, Rajinikanth was primarily offered villainous roles in films like Katha Sangama, Balu Jenu, Avargal, and 16 Vayathinile.

Rajinikanth Earned Less Than 13-Year-Old Sridevi

After performing in several small roles, Rajinikanth landed a significant role in the 1976 film Mundru Mudichu. In this film, Kamal Haasan played the lead role, while a 13-year-old Sridevi made her debut in a leading role.

At that time, Kamal Haasan was considered a major star, commanding a fee of ₹30,000, whereas Rajinikanth earned only ₹2,000. Even Sridevi, who was making her first film as a lead actress, was paid ₹5,000 more than Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth received much praise from the audience for his stylish portrayal, particularly when he flipped a cigarette with flair. Fans began to imitate his unique style, further solidifying his presence in the industry.

Rajinikanth’s First Lead Role in 1977

In 1977, Rajinikanth was cast as the hero for the first time in the film Chilakamma Cheppindi. His powerful performance earned him a nomination for the Filmfare Best Actor Award. However, the year that truly changed Rajinikanth’s life was 1978, when he was cast in a solo lead role in the film Baashha.

As soon as the film was released, Rajinikanth became an overnight superstar, and people began to refer to him as “Superstar.” His remarkable journey from supporting roles to leading man had begun, establishing him as one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema.