Rajinikanth — A way to life
Born as Sivaji Rao, occupied as a conductor in charge of issuing tickets to Rajinikanth, occupied as a superstar and the reason behind a lot of sold out tickets, we all know the journey of this man. I was first attracted to him when I was 8 in the movie Padayappa. 15 years later, my fondness and attraction remain the same and in a way similar to how Neelambari felt when she said “Vayasanalum un style’um azhagum unna vittu pogala”
I have imitated every move of Rajinikanth and I still do. Be it the salute from Padayappa, the trademark cigarette move, or the coin flip scene from Sivaji. As years passed, I started looking up to my Thalaivar as a source of inspiration, motivation, and not just a style icon. And, I am not the only one. A lot of successful people from actors to entrepreneurs see him as a role model and a way to life. For every high and low in my life, I have made it a habit to watch a Rajini movie to stay both grounded and motivated. This made me pen my thoughts on what I learned from my Thalaivar especially from his movies. And here it is!
1. PLAY BY YOUR STRENGTHS
Starting as a villain, Rajini acted in a wide variety of roles and movies before identifying his true strength. He is not multi-talented (and can barely dance) like Ulaganayagan or Danush to direct, produce, and sing a song but is widely appreciated for what he does. Instead of imitating or trying to establish his presence everywhere, Rajini settled with being the king of style. He never questioned if this will take him places but believed it will. And, that has been the key to his success. For more than 2 decades, he is synonymous with the word style and will remain to be for years to come as well.
It doesn’t matter what other people do and how good they are at it. As long as you know what your strengths are, you will be remembered for it.
“Kanna, panni than kootama varum aana Singam single than varum”
2. STAYING POSITIVE
I have never seen my Thalaivar lose a fight or any of his successful movies end on a sad note. He goes through ups and downs like any normal human in most of his movies. Be it Aarupadayappan who just lost his father and wealth, Muthu who was kicked out of his own family or Baasha who had to go through a really tough phase. There was always an SPB song in the background and my Thalaivar smiling and walking through all difficulties.
Staying positive does not mean you should not feel negative. Even Rajini cries, is not sure about what is going to happen next. The difference is that he is hopeful and a hundred percent confident it will all work out his way in the end. So the next time when things are not going your way remember that-
“Nee sindhura kanneerum Inga nerandharam illa, Idha purinjikittaale Inga neethaanda aala”
3. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARDWORK
The journey from a bus conductor to the Superstar of Indian Cinema is not an easy one. The stardom and luxury he enjoys today is purely because of his hard work. Annamalai did not reach the stature to compete with Ashok by chance. Years to hard work with a goal in mind got him there. The money and societal status is just a by-product of the hard work he put in. Like my Thalaivar says to Manivanan —
“Kashta padatha edhum kadaikadhu, kashta padama kadaikardhu ennikume naialikadhu”
No one has ever failed when they work for what they want. Let is be your dream job, dream girl, or even your dream car, it takes effort to achieve your goal.
4. ENJOY LIFE FOR WHAT IT IS
I respect and admire how simple the superstar of Indian Cinema is. Through all of his movies, Rajini has been vocal about the fact, the best of things will happen to you even if you don’t ask for it. This is exactly why superstar is much more than an actor and is movies are a way to live.
“Adhigama aasai padra aambalaiyum Adhigama kova padra pombalaiyum, Nalla vazhndhadha sarithirime kidayadhu”
I have desired for a lot of things in my life. The few things that did not work out bothered me more than things that worked in my favor. Every time I feel bad, I listen to Ullaallaa or Kick Eruthey to put all doubts and fears to rest.
Kaiyil kedachathu tholanjaa, Innum romba pudichathu kedaikkum
Aana…aasai adakkida therinjaa, Inga ellaam kaaladiyil kedakkum
5. BELIEVE IN GOD
Rajini believed in God as much as he believed in him. Looking at my superstar, I am truly convinced about the existence of God and the fact he will help you when you believe in him. A lot of uncertainties can be left to the creator and then you can roam around with a smile because he will tell you what to do.
“Andavan solran. Arunachalam seiran”
Looking back at it now, maybe living a happy life is actually really simple. Things may or may not go your way but whatever be the situation if we learn to stay positive, give our best and have faith that things will work out, we are just a song away from getting there.
So the next time, if you feel life’s a mess and nothing is working out, listen to one of my Thalaivar’s song and with a head held high, tell yourself
Poda, aandavanae namma pakkam irukkan
