Arvind Swamy recently reflected on two defining chapters of his life, one marked by physical pain and resilience, and another by a quiet act of kindness that stayed with him for decades.

Speaking at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the actor opened up about a difficult phase in 2005 when a spinal injury left him bedridden for nearly 18 months. At the time, Arvind chose not to undergo surgery, a decision that prolonged his suffering and significantly affected his mobility. He admitted that the period was mentally far more challenging than physical, forcing him to confront stillness in a life that had once been constantly in motion.

It was only later that he turned to an Ayurvedic practitioner from Kerala, a path he had never seriously considered before, having grown up around people who strongly believed in allopathy. To his surprise, the treatment worked for him. Within three days, he was able to walk again. While acknowledging the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Arvind was careful to stress that what worked for him may not work for everyone and urged people to seek proper medical advice rather than follow personal anecdotes blindly. He also shared that allopathy has helped him at various points in his life.

During the long months of recovery, Arvind kept himself mentally active through chess, puzzles, and board games, small anchors that helped him cope with isolation. Once he recovered, he chose not to rush back into work. With young children to raise as a single father, he approached life and career with caution. His eventual return to films came unexpectedly when Mani Ratnam offered him Kadal, 13 years after he had stepped away from acting. He admitted that he never imagined he would return, but prepared himself both mentally and physically before saying yes.

At the same event, Arvind also shared a memory from the very beginning of his career that continues to shape his outlook on humility and humanity. Recalling the shoot of Thalapathi in 1991, Arvind said he was still new to the industry and unaware of its unspoken hierarchies. One night, exhausted, he walked into Rajinikanth’s room and fell asleep on the bed.

When he woke up, he was stunned to find Rajinikanth sleeping on the floor.

Embarrassed and confused, Arvind later learned from the make-up artist that Rajinikanth had specifically instructed him not to wake the young actor. Rather than disturb his sleep, the superstar chose the floor for himself.

For Arvind, the moment went far beyond a simple gesture. It revealed a mindset free of ego, rooted in empathy, and completely at ease with simplicity. Sharing the story, he said it taught him an enduring lesson about sensitivity, one that resonated deeply with the audience, earning spontaneous applause.

Source : Awaz The Voice & The Indian Express , Reddit