When superstar Rajinikanth won his first best actor award as a student in Bengaluru

In a video, veteran star Rajinikanth opened up on his days at APS Public School and College and how the institution inspired him to become an actor

Rajinikanth, one of the biggest superstars of Indian cinema, loves the stage. His love for theatre, before he left for Madras (now Chennai) to try his luck in films, came from his school days. Known as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad before the world embraced him as Rajinikanth, the veteran star studied at Acharya Pathashala Public School (better known as APS) in N.R. Colony in south Bengaluru.

Going down memory lane, Rajinikanth surprised fans by talking about his early tryst with acting in school. The actor, in a video message in Kannada, released on Saturday (January 18) ahead of the institution’s 90th-anniversary celebrations, remembered winning an inter-high school drama competition. “I love telling stories and imitating people. My classmate loved to listen to me. Knowing this, my teachers at APS encouraged me to participate in a drama competition,” he said.

“It was a big event with 15-20 schools participating. I was part of the scene where Adi Shankaracharya meets Chandala. Perhaps I looked like Chandala, so I got the role,” said Rajinikanth, known for his self-deprecating humour. “I won the best actor award,” he added.

“Perhaps my love for acting began from then, and today, I continue to entertain you all with my skills. I am proud of the time spent in APS School and college,” said Rajinikanth, a student at the APS during the 1960s. “My days in the institution will forever remain memorable,” said the 74-year-old, apologising for his unavailability from the alumni meet due to his shooting commitments.

Bharat Ratna Prof. CNR Rao, Padma Vibhushan recipient Roddam Narasimha, Kannada star Upendra, and Lahari Velu of Lahari Recording Company are alumni of APS. The alumni meet to celebrate the 90th anniversary of APS will be held on January 26, 2025.

Last year, during the pre-release event of his film Jailer, he left the audience thrilled with his recollection of playing Duryodhana in a play during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration in Bengaluru. It was a time when he was a BTS bus conductor, still unaware of his destiny.

The actor is currently working for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie and Nelson’s Jailer 2.