When Rajinikanth’s small gestures made a gig impression on Sayaji Shinde, latter says 'south stars have more mannerism than Bollywood stars'

Sayaji Shinde remembers Rajinikanth mannerism

Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde recently opened up about some unforgettable moments he shared with South Indian cinema legends, especially superstar Rajinikanth.

In a candid recollection, Shinde explained why he believes southern stars carry themselves with more humility and grace compared to many of their Hindi film counterparts.

“South ke star aur Hindi ke star boole toh south ke star log zyada ache mannerism main rehte hai, jaise ki Rajinikanth sir ho, Chiranjeevi sir ho, Mahesh Babu ho, NTR ho, Nagarjuna ho (When you talk about South stars and Hindi stars, the South stars have much better manners — like Rajinikanth sir, Chiranjeevi sir, Mahesh Babu, NTR, Nagarjuna)” Shinde said, listing the names of some of the industry’s most respected icons.

He went on to narrate a touching incident from a film shoot in Mangalore. Shinde recalled sitting outside a large vanity van when Rajinikanth himself came over and gently asked why he was outside. “Rajinikanth sir aaye aur bolle ki are aap bhaar kyu bethe hai. Toh yeh artist ke liye hai, Rajinikanth star iske liye nahi hai, make up artist ke liye hai ("Rajinikanth sir came and said, 'Oh, why are you sitting outside?' He meant that the vanity van was for the artist — for someone like a makeup artist — not for a star like him)”

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Shinde explained that he simply enjoyed sitting under the shade of a tree. “Nahi sir main ped ke neeche betha hu, mujhe ped ke neeche bethna achha lagta hai (No sir, I'm sitting under the tree — I like sitting under the tree)” he told Rajinikanth. But the superstar wouldn’t have it. With genuine warmth, Rajinikanth insisted, “Nahi nahi fir bhi chlo andar khaana khaate hai fir aake betho.” True to his word, he personally took Shinde inside to share a meal.

Another fond memory came from visiting Rajinikanth’s home. The superstar offered him his favourite pomegranate juice, but in his characteristic humility, insisted that Shinde be served before him. “Rajinikanth sir ji ka toh unhone bola ki yeh kon hai maalum hai? Bharti ka role kia hai Sayaji ne, Pehle unko dene ka baad main mujhko dene ka (About Rajinikanth sir, he said — do you know who this is? Sayaji played the role of Bharti. First, give it to him, then give it to me)”

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Deeply touched, Shinde admitted that such moments left an imprint on his heart. “Sir kya bolun aapko, yeh cheezein zindagi bhar bhool nahi skta hai (Sir, what can I even say to you… these are things I can never forget for the rest of my life.)” he said with emotion.

Through his stories, Shinde reminded fans that beyond Rajinikanth’s legendary stardom lies a man defined by humility, respect, and kindness — qualities that make him truly unforgettable.