Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 15: South superstar Rajinikanth recalled an incident at the Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru where, despite his massive popularity, nobody recognised or approached him, an experience he said “crushed” his ego.

Speaking at a special event marking 45 years of the Art of Living Foundation and the 70th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the actor shared the unusual experience with the audience.

Rajinikanth said Ravi Shankar had invited him to visit the centre and assured him there would be “no disturbance”.

“Gurudev asked me to go with him. I told him it would mean a lot of disturbance for him. But he said, ‘No problem, no disturbance, just come’,” Rajinikanth said.

The actor admitted that he expected people to recognise him and seek photographs and autographs.

“I thought naturally people would be there, recognise me, shout my name, ask for a photo and stuff. I also saw many people from Tamil Nadu,” he said.

However, the superstar said the experience turned out to be completely different.

“Thousands of people were there. To be frank, not even a single person looked at me. Forget about photos and autographs; not even a single person looked at or spoke to me. I was waving, but no one looked at me,” he recalled.

Rajinikanth said the incident deeply affected him and made him realise the power of spirituality.

“I have met many politicians and industrialists, but this incident crushed my ego,” he said.

Recalling the moment humorously, the actor pointed towards his head and joked, “Idhar disturb ho gaya (I got disturbed here).”

He added that the experience gave him a better understanding of spiritual discipline and detachment.

On the professional front, Rajinikanth was last seen in Coolie alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni and Shruti Haasan.

He will next appear in Jailer 2 directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The film is a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer.