At the audio launch of his upcoming film "Coolie" on August 2, 2025, superstar Rajinikanth shared a deeply personal and emotional experience from his early days working as a coolie. The actor, known for his charismatic on-screen persona, revealed a moment of vulnerability that resonated with fans, reminding them of his humble beginnings and the struggles he faced on his path to stardom.

Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, had a challenging upbringing and took on various jobs to make ends meet. Before becoming a bus conductor, a role he is also well-known for, he worked as a daily wage laborer, carpenter, and coolie. It was during his time as a coolie that he experienced an incident that moved him to tears.

Recounting the event, Rajinikanth shared that he often faced harsh treatment and mockery while working as a porter. One day, a man asked him to carry luggage into a tempo and offered him two rupees. The voice sounded familiar, and Rajinikanth soon realized it was a former college mate whom he used to tease. To Rajinikanth's dismay, his former classmate ridiculed him, saying, "How arrogant you were in those days," and mocked his current occupation.

This encounter was a turning point for Rajinikanth. He confessed that it was the first time in his life he had ever broken down and cried. The humiliation and the stark contrast between his past and present overwhelmed him. This poignant moment served as a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals have faced adversity and that true strength lies in overcoming these challenges.

Rajinikanth's emotional revelation at the "Coolie" event underscored his journey of resilience and determination. From a daily wage worker to a cinema legend, his story is an inspiration to many. He has previously spoken about the extreme poverty he faced, even contemplating suicide at one point. His experiences shaped him into the person he is today, and he often emphasizes the importance of peace and respect over fame and wealth.

During the "Coolie" event, Rajinikanth also praised director Lokesh Kanagaraj, calling him the "true hero of Coolie". He lauded Kanagaraj's vision and execution, acknowledging the director's ability to create a storm with the film. Rajinikanth also humorously acknowledged his age and experience, joking about the dance choreography and his "1950s model" body.

"Coolie," which marks Rajinikanth's 171st film, is slated to release on August 14, 2025. The film also stars Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Nagarjuna, with Aamir Khan making a special appearance.