Some film memories stay with you, even when a project is long over. For Shriya Saran, working with Rajinikanth in ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ remains one such memory. The actress talked about her journey in the South Indian film industry and revealed that she was nervous before meeting the superstar for the first time. Her memories also reveal the warmth and simplicity she felt working with him.
Shriya Saran recalls meeting Rajinikanth for the first time
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Shriya Saran revealed that she was extremely nervous about meeting Rajinikanth before their first rehearsal. She recalled asking director Shankar to introduce them beforehand because she feared she would freeze in front of the superstar. “I was very starstruck. 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 said. Shriya also remembered how secretive the film’s announcement was and how she travelled to Chennai for the mahurat after Shankar offered her the role.
Shriya Saran says Rajinikanth made her feel comfortable on ‘Sivaji’ set
Shriya Saran said the scale of ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ became clear when she arrived and saw personalities such as AR Rahman and Rajinikanth. She was surprised when Shankar introduced her to her co-star. “Jab main gayi waha par bade bade log aa rahe like AR Rahman sir aur Rajinikanth sir. Mujhe laga ke itni badi film ho raha hai, and I thanked Shankar sir for making me part of it,” she recalled. Talking about the ‘Vaaji Vaaji’ song shoot, she added, “Rajini sir makes you feel very comfortable and very special, even making you feel like he’s your best friend.” Shriya Saran also praised his humble nature, saying, “Rajini sir bahut hi down to earth aur simple hain, bahut hi zyaada.”
Rajinikanth’s life story left a deep impression on Shriya Saran
The actress also recalled conversations with Rajinikanth during the shoot and said his advice stayed with her. “Woh humesha mujhse batate ki apne kaam se pyaar kare aur seekhte rahe,” she said. Shriya remembered Rajinikanth telling her about his early days, when he had limited money but still found ways to attend film school and watch films. For her, his journey from struggling to becoming one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars was deeply inspiring. “Ek insaan kuch naa hoke itna bada superstar ban jaata hain and he is so rooted,” she said. Shriya further described him as someone with a great sense of humour who often brought fun and drama to the sets.
Shriya Saran and Rajinikanth’s ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ remains a special film
‘Sivaji’ was released in 2007. Rajinikanth and Shriya Saran came together for a commercial entertainer helmed by Shankar, ‘The Boss’. Rajinikanth starred as Sivaji, an engineer returning to India with plans to improve society but encountering strong opposition. Shriya was his crush, Tamizhselvi. The film also featured Vivek, Suman and Manivannan in supporting roles. AR Rahman was the music director. Shriya Saran’s memories of her first meeting with Rajinikanth, looking back, suggest it wasn’t just about meeting a superstar but discovering the down-to-earth personality behind the larger-than-life image.
