Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, two towering icons of Indian cinema, share a friendship that fans have cherished for decades. In the 1980s, as Rajinikanth ascended to superstardom in Tamil cinema with a series of blockbuster hits, many of his films drew inspiration from Amitabh’s celebrated Hindi classics. Over time, Rajinikanth has frequently expressed his admiration for Amitabh, acknowledging him as a constant source of inspiration.
The two legends recently came together after decades for the film Vettaiyan, which also marked Amitabh’s Tamil cinema debut. Their collaboration reignited discussions about their remarkable camaraderie. In a 2019 interview, Rajinikanth revealed a valuable piece of advice he received from Amitabh that has stayed with him throughout his career.
“One should keep oneself busy. That is the most important, especially when you become 50 and above,” Rajinikanth shared, crediting this wisdom to Amitabh Bachchan. Describing the Bollywood veteran as a “great inspiration,” he also highlighted Amitabh’s emphasis on pursuing one’s passions without being hindered by the opinions of others. “He’s always told me about the importance of doing what I love without worrying about ‘what people would say,’ and I live by that,” Rajinikanth added.
Their bond, built on mutual respect and admiration, continues to inspire fans and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these cinematic icons.