'Coolie' Actor, Rajinikanth's First Love Encouraged His Acting, Left Without A Trace, 'You Act Well'

Rajinikanth, born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, has a success story that has inspired generations of people who aspired to follow their passions despite their humble beginnings. From working as a bus conductor to ruling as 'Thalaiva' over the Indian film industry, he has come a long way. However, there is one person whose unconditional support for Rajinikanth has remained hidden from the public. The superstar's first love, Nirmala, was the first person to put her faith in the actor's potential. 

Rajinikanth fell in love with an MBBS student while working as a bus conductor

Malayalam actor, Devan who worked with Rajinikanth on the sets of their film, Baashha revealed in an interview with Manorama that the two of them had got quite close while filming. Devan recalled that whenever everyone else discussed love and relationships, Rajinikanth would become visibly upset. When Devan asked him about his reaction, the superstar couldn't help but confess about his unforgettable first love. 

Rajinikanth revealed to Devan that while he was working as a bus conductor in Bengaluru, before stepping into the film world, he had fallen in love with an MBBS student named Nirmala. However, their first encounter started on the wrong foot as the duo got into an argument with each other since Nirmala tried to board the bus from the front door. But soon, while travelling on the same route everyday, Rajinikanth would cross path with her and they eventually became friends. 

Rajinikanth invited Nirmala to watch his play, and she wanted to see him on movie posters 

Around this time, Rajinikanth was experimenting with acting and was performing in plays. He invited Nirmala to one of his plays. His first love also became his very first fan, and she encouraged him to pursue acting as a profession. Nirmala had even applied to the Adayar Film Institute on his behalf. However, Rajinikanth wasn't certain about leaving his secure job and getting into the risky business of cinema. Nirmala, who had complete faith in his talent, gave him money and encouraged him to go to the film school in Chennai. 

Rajinikanth stated to Devan that his first love, Nirmala, had wanted to see him on movie posters. She had told Rajinikanth that he was meant to be a bigger actor in India. Nirmala also wished to see huge cut-outs of Rajinikanth in front of movie theatres. Years later, all of Nirmala's wishes would come true. Rajinikanth would not only have huge cut-outs, but people would also build temples dedicated to his stardom. The superstar would have everything Nirmala had wished for him, except she won't be by his side anymore. Nirmala had said to Rajinikanth, as shared by Devan in the interview:

"You act very well. You are truly unique, in my opinion. I'd like to see you on the movie posters. Your enormous cutouts in front of theaters are something I would like to see. You ought to become a well-known actor in India. All of this was in my mind when I watched you perform. I applied on your behalf for that reason."

Coolie Actor, Rajinikanth would search for Nirmala for years 

After leaving Bengaluru to study in the film institute, Rajinikanth lost contact with Nirmala. However, when he returned to Bengaluru again, the budding actor found her house locked. Nirmala was nowhere to be found again. After gaining immense success, Rajinikanth still searched for his 'Nimmy' among crowds of people, however, he never got to see her again. Devan stated that the superstar had been looking for her for years, but had not found her again. The superstar once heartbrokenly said to Devan:

"Devan, why hasn't she come get me? Why doesn't she want to see me, even after I've accomplished all this?"

In the same interview, Devan said that years later when asked Rajinikanth if he ever found 'Nimmy', the actor said no. However, by that time, superstar had gotten married to Latha Rajinikanth and had become a father to their two daughters, Aishwaryaa and Soundarya.

What are your thoughts on Rajinikanth and Nirmala's bittersweet love story? 

Also Read: Coolie Actor, Rajinikanth's Superstition Didn't Let Him Propose Sridevi, Returned From Her Doorstep

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