Rajinikanth's Humble Gesture: Sleeping on Floor to Not Disturb Arvind Swamy
In a touching revelation from the Indian film industry, actor Arvind Swamy recently recounted an incident that highlights the legendary humility of superstar Rajinikanth. During a chat at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Swamy shared how Rajinikanth chose to sleep on the floor rather than disturb him, leaving a lasting impression on the young actor at the time.
The Incident from Thalapathi Set
Arvind Swamy made his acting debut in the 1991 film Thalapathi, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty. As a newcomer, Swamy was unfamiliar with the hierarchical protocols often observed on movie sets. One day, arriving early for a shoot and feeling tired, he found a bed in a room and fell asleep without realizing it was Rajinikanth's designated space.
"I was new to all this. I didn't know the hierarchy. I didn't know about protocol," Swamy explained. "Our industry is a little bit... kind of contrived in the sense of this protocol business, so one day, I was early for a shoot. I was tired, so I found a bed and I just lay down on it and went to sleep."
Waking Up to a Surprising Scene
Upon waking, Swamy was shocked to see Rajinikanth sleeping on the floor in the same room. "I woke up and I saw Rajini sir sleeping on the ground in the same room. I had walked into his room and I had slept on the bed," he recalled. This moment left him questioning why such a big star would sacrifice his comfort for a newcomer.
The make-up artist later informed Swamy that Rajinikanth had specifically instructed him not to disturb the sleeping actor. "His make-up artist said, 'He told me not to disturb you.' That's Rajini sir," Swamy shared, noting that the audience responded with applause to this anecdote.
Lessons in Sensitivity and Humility
Swamy reflected on the profound impact of this gesture, emphasizing how it taught him valuable lessons about kindness and humility. "It's such a sensitive thing for somebody to not want to wake somebody up. It's not like he is thinking, 'He is a newcomer, why is he here, just chase him out' or something like that," he said.
He added, "At the same time, he is very comfortable lying on the ground and sleeping, and he was just doing that. I mean, there are so many things you can learn from that one incident." This story underscores Rajinikanth's reputation for generosity and his down-to-earth nature, which has endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.
Rajinikanth's Legacy of Kindness
Tales of Rajinikanth's generosity are well-documented in the Indian film industry, where he is known for his calm and composed demeanor despite his immense stardom. Unlike some in similar positions who might display arrogance, Rajinikanth consistently demonstrates that he doesn't take his fame too seriously, fostering a respectful and supportive environment on set.
This incident from the Thalapathi set serves as a powerful reminder of the values that can transcend stardom, making Rajinikanth not just a cinematic icon but also a role model for humility and empathy in the entertainment world.
