SS Rajamouli Reveals His First Salary Was Just Rs 50: A Humble Beginning to a Legendary Career!

In a world where blockbuster movies rake in hundreds of crores and film directors are treated like celebrities, it’s hard to imagine a time when S.S. Rajamouli, the man behind cinematic epics like Baahubali and RRR, earned a mere Rs. 50. Yes, you read that right. The man who now commands budgets running into hundreds of crores started his journey in the world of cinema with a humble paycheck of just fifty rupees.

Recently, during an interaction with aspiring filmmakers and media professionals, S.S. Rajamouli candidly shared a little-known story about his early career. Before becoming a globally acclaimed director, Rajamouli worked as an editor, not on major studio productions, but in a small setup where he earned Rs. 50 for a day’s work. This humble start is not just a piece of trivia but a testament to his resilience, dedication, and passion for storytelling.

A Passion Sparked Early

Born on October 10, 1973, in Raichur, Karnataka, Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli was deeply influenced by cinema from a young age. His father, K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, was already an established writer in Telugu cinema, known for his gripping narratives and dramatic flair. While the influence of his father is undeniable, Rajamouli’s journey was anything but easy. He didn’t immediately leap into directing films. Instead, he spent years learning the ropes, often doing odd jobs related to filmmaking.

Rajamouli revealed that his first job was not glamorous — it was far from the director’s chair. He was employed as an editor at a small production house where he used to splice reels and edit sequences, back in the days of analog tape. The pay? A meager Rs. 50 for the entire day. But for Rajamouli, this was not about the money. It was about learning and absorbing every bit of the craft he possibly could.

From Editing Table to Director’s Chair

What’s fascinating about Rajamouli’s early career is his eagerness to learn. Unlike many who enter the industry hoping for quick fame, he was content working behind the scenes. He took up editing because it gave him insight into the language of cinema — how scenes flow, how emotions are built, and how storytelling can be sharpened through visuals. The skills he picked up during this period would later become instrumental in crafting the epic narrative style that audiences now associate with him.

His real break came when he got an opportunity to direct a serial for ETV. From there, his first film Student No.1 (2001) starring Jr. NTR marked his official entry into Telugu cinema as a director. While the film was modest in terms of budget, it turned out to be a commercial success and paved the way for his future projects.

The Rise of a Visionary Filmmaker

S.S. Rajamouli’s journey from earning Rs. 50 a day to become one of India’s most successful filmmakers is nothing short of inspirational. After Student No.1, he followed it up with hits like Simhadri, Sye, and Chatrapathi, all of which were well-received. However, it was Magadheera (2009) that truly changed the game. The reincarnation-based fantasy film, starring Ram Charan, was a visual spectacle and became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time.

Then came Eega (2012), a film about a man reincarnated as a housefly. While the premise sounded bizarre to many, Rajamouli’s execution was so compelling that the film turned out to be a massive hit and was even dubbed in multiple languages.

However, the true turning point in Rajamouli’s career came with the Baahubali series. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) were landmark films that pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema. They were not just commercial blockbusters but cultural phenomena, bringing global recognition to Telugu cinema. These films grossed over Rs. 2,500 crore globally and were dubbed into several languages.

Following this, RRR (2022) turned out to be another game-changer. Featuring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, the film was not only a box office success but also won international acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Original Song (Naatu Naatu).

Lessons from His Journey

What makes Rajamouli’s story so powerful is not just his success, but the path he took to get there. Earning Rs. 50 as an editor might seem inconsequential now, but it laid the foundation for everything he would later achieve. His journey proves that no start is too small and no dream too big. Every experience — whether editing reels in a small room or working on a TV serial — added to his skill set and vision.

Rajamouli’s story is especially relevant today for the millions of aspiring filmmakers who might feel overwhelmed by the competition or discouraged by financial challenges. His message is clear: patience, perseverance, and passion will always pay off.

Staying Grounded Despite Fame

Despite his massive success and international fame, S.S. Rajamouli is known for his humility. Colleagues and actors who have worked with him often describe him as a soft-spoken, grounded individual who treats everyone on set with respect. He’s not just a visionary filmmaker but also a mentor to many young talents in the industry.

By sharing stories like his. 50 paycheck, he reminds people that greatness doesn’t come overnight. It’s a long journey filled with learning, failing, and growing.

The Legacy Continues

As of 2025, Rajamouli is working on his next ambitious project with superstar Mahesh Babu, which is expected to be a globe-trotting action-adventure. Expectations are sky-high, and fans are eager to see how he reinvents himself once again.

His journey from earning Rs. 50 to becoming one of India’s most celebrated directors is a story of grit and determination. More than the films themselves, it’s this personal journey that makes S.S. Rajamouli a legend — not just in the film industry, but as an inspiration to dreamers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

S.S. Rajamouli’s first salary of Rs. 50 isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a symbol of how far passion and perseverance can take someone. In a time when people often chase instant success, his story is a reminder that true greatness takes time, effort, and unwavering belief in oneself. Whether you’re a filmmaker, an artist, or just someone trying to make your mark, Rajamouli’s journey proves that every big dream begins with a small step, sometimes, even a Rs. 50 one.