‘Reminiscence: Raj Bahadur Inspires Rajinikanth to Pursue a Career in Cinema’
Rajinikanth and Raj Bahadur have been friends for a long time, dating back to before Thalaivar was an actor. They first met while working for a transport service, Rajinikanth as a conductor and Raj Bahadur as a driver. It was Raj who encouraged Rajinikanth to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
When Rajinikanth received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he dedicated it to his best friend and acknowledged him for his success in the entertainment industry. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude to his mentor K Balachander and to Raj Bahadur, his friend and colleague who recognized his talent and pushed him to join the film industry.
Following the award ceremony, Raj Bahadur was excited to meet Rajinikanth and congratulate him. He was touched when Thalaivar mentioned him during the award acceptance speech.
Raj Bahadur praised Rajinikanth for his humility and loyalty to his friends, highlighting how he always remembers and appreciates those who supported him. Raj Bahadur reminisced about the early days when he worked as a bus driver and Rajinikanth as a conductor, noting how he saw the potential for stardom in his friend.
In the 1970s, Rajinikanth started taking on lead roles in dramas organized by the employee’s association, hesitant at first but encouraged by Raj Bahadur to pursue his passion. Raj Bahadur even helped Rajinikanth enroll in the Madras Film Institute for acting lessons.
In an interview, Rajinikanth mentioned how Raj Bahadur used to send him half of his salary while he was in Chennai to assist with his fees and other expenses.
Throughout almost 50 years, Rajinikanth and Raj Bahadur have remained close friends, with their bond growing stronger over time.
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