Shriya Saran Reflects on “Sivaji: The Boss” and the Enduring Impression of Rajinikanth’s Humility
Mumbai, India – For many actors, certain projects leave an indelible mark, shaping their careers and offering memorable encounters. For acclaimed actress Shriya Saran, her experience working alongside cinematic legend Rajinikanth in the 2007 blockbuster "Sivaji: The Boss" remains a vividly cherished memory. Saran recently opened up about her initial trepidation, the superstar’s remarkable ability to foster comfort, and the profound impact of his life story and advice.
The journey to "Sivaji: The Boss" began with a sense of secrecy, as Saran recounted to Pinkvilla. Director Shankar, known for his grand cinematic visions, offered her the role, leading to a hushed trip to Chennai for the mahurat. It was here, amidst the burgeoning scale of the production, that Saran would first come face-to-face with the man revered as Thalaivar.
From Starstruck to Comfortable: Rajinikanth’s Approachability
Saran confessed to an intense nervousness leading up to her initial meeting with Rajinikanth. "I was very starstruck," she admitted. Anticipating that she might "freeze" in the presence of such an iconic figure, she even requested director Shankar to facilitate an early introduction before rehearsals commenced. "I once told Shankar, sir, ke ek baar mujhe rehearsal se pehle milwa lena, because pehli baar unke saath kaam karungi toh I will be frozen; (please introduce me to him once before the rehearsal because it will be my first time working with him) he was just laughing," she recalled, highlighting Shankar’s amusement at her apprehension.
Upon arriving on set, the sheer magnitude of "Sivaji: The Boss" became undeniably clear, with luminaries like A.R. Rahman also present. Saran expressed her gratitude to Shankar for including her in such a significant project. However, it was Rajinikanth’s personal demeanor that truly left an impression. Recalling the shoot for the vibrant "Vaaji Vaaji" song, Saran emphasized how the superstar effortlessly put her at ease. "Rajini sir makes you feel very comfortable and very special, even making you feel like he’s your best friend," she shared. Beyond his on-screen persona, Saran lauded his grounded nature, stating, "Rajini sir bahut hi down to earth aur simple hain, bahut hi zyaada (Rajini sir is very down to earth and simple, very much so)."
An Inspiring Journey and Lasting Wisdom
Beyond the immediate comfort, Rajinikanth’s personal narrative and philosophy deeply resonated with Saran. She recalled numerous conversations during the shoot where he imparted valuable advice. "Woh humesha mujhse batate ki apne kaam se pyaar kare aur seekhte rahe (He always told me to love my work and keep learning)," she recounted.
What particularly struck Saran was Rajinikanth’s humble beginnings. He shared stories of his early struggles, detailing how, despite financial limitations, he found ways to attend film school and immerse himself in cinema. For Saran, witnessing his incredible journey from obscurity to becoming one of India’s most beloved and successful stars was profoundly inspiring. "Ek insaan kuch naa hoke itna bada superstar ban jaata hain and he is so rooted (A person who was nothing becomes such a big superstar, and he is so rooted)," she marvelled. She also fondly remembered his vibrant personality on set, describing him as someone with a great sense of humor who infused both fun and drama into the filming environment.
"Sivaji: The Boss": A Cinematic Milestone
Released in 2007, "Sivaji: The Boss" stands as a testament to the combined talent of Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, and director Shankar. The film saw Rajinikanth portray the titular character, an engineer returning to India with ambitious plans for societal improvement, only to face formidable opposition. Saran played his love interest, Tamizhselvi. The star-studded cast also included Vivek, Suman, and Manivannan, with the musical genius of A.R. Rahman providing the captivating soundtrack.
Shriya Saran’s reflections on her collaboration with Rajinikanth offer a rare glimpse into the man behind the superstar. Her memories underscore that beyond the grandiosity of "Sivaji: The Boss," it was the genuine warmth, humility, and inspiring journey of Rajinikanth that truly left an enduring impression, solidifying a professional relationship built on respect and mutual admiration.
