Rajinikanth says special thanks to Bengaluru school for developing his interest in acting

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the school, Rajinikanth sent a video about the influence his years there had on his formative years, especially in developing an interest in acting.

Rajinikanth

Superstar Rajinikanth's alma mater, Acharya Pathashala (APS) Public School and College, is celebrating its 90th anniversary, on the occasion of which, the actor sent a special video message detailing his years at the school and how that helped him develop an interest in acting. In the recorded message from Bangkok, where Rajinikanth is currently shooting, he said that it would have been nice if he could attend the anniversary celebrations, but work commitments prevent him from being there.

Rajinikanth's special message for his high school in Bengaluru

After studying at a Kannada-medium government primary and middle school in Gavipuram, where Rajinikanth was the class topper and secured great marks, he was then put at the English-medium APS for high school education. “All of a sudden, the front row student became a backbencher, which was very depressing. It was very tough for me to adjust to the change of medium of instruction and learning, but the teachers understood my problem and helped me out, thanks to which I cleared class 8 and 9, but in the Class 10 public exam, I failed, because I was weak in PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics),” he reminisced.

Also read: Rajinikanth celebrates Maha Shivratri, elder brother's 80th birthday in Bengaluru, see photos

But then, one particular Chemistry teacher took a special interest in him and would take extra classes free of cost at his house, which helped him clear the subject and pass the exam. “Although the marks I secured were not very high, I joined APS college, but owing to certain reasons, I was not able to continue there much longer,” Rajinikanth said, adding that it was during his time at APS High School that he got his first recognition as an actor.

Also read: Rajinikanth's 74th birthday: Celebrate Thalaiva’s ultimate swag by revisiting his iconic movies on OTT

“There used to be an inter-school drama competition at APS, that would have 10-12 schools participating. I was asked to be a part of a play about Adishankara and Chandala – the tale in which Adishankara asks the Chandala to move out of his way, to which the latter asks if it is his soul or his body that has to step aside. I was told to play the Chandala, probably because I looked like one,” laughed Rajinikanth, adding, “When we performed this at the competition, we won a prize and I was adjudged Best Actor. Back then, APS opened the door for me as an actor, which I made my profession, and I am very proud to acknowledge the impact the school had on me.”

Share