Rajinikanth responded to the rumours about his political ambitions, while addressing fans from a podium at Chennai’s Raghavendra Mandapam on 15 May. The Chennai event is a part of the fan ‘darbar’ – reportedly the first event of its kind that the 66-year-old actor has attended in eight years.
The superstar apologised for having supported the DMK-TMC (Tamil Manila Congress). Without naming the alliance, he said: “Committed a mistake by supporting a political alliance 21 years back, it was a political accident”
I don’t support any political party. I have been pushed to reiterate that I don’t support any political party ahead of every election. I’m not a political leader or a social worker. Nobody is waiting in queue to get my support. I’m just saying it to tell people that I don’t support anyone.
Here are a few excerpts from his speech:
On Politics
“My fans then (in 1996) even helped this party win. Following this, my name came to be associated with politics. Politicians and some of my fans began to then use each other. Even money was exchanged at that point, and some people liked he taste of money too much. After that, in subsequent elections, these people claimed that I was supporting a political party, just so they could make money,” The News Minute quoted him as saying.
"My life is in the hands of god. I'm a tool in the hands of god, and he is using me to do his bidding. He's using me as an actor now, I'm working as an actor now. Tomorrow, whatever he decides..." he said, adding:
If there is a situation where I have to enter (politics), I will never let such people (who are interested in politics for money) even come near me.
About Meeting His Fans
The superstar last held a meet and greet of this sort in 2009, following the success of his film, Sivaji.
Meeting my fans is not some kind of a stunt ahead of my film’s release. Thanks to your blessings, I don’t need to do such things.
He warned his fans about the dangers of alcohol and cigarettes.
Look after your family and kids. Don’t drink too much...Give up smoking, look after your health.
His Next Films
Rajinikanth said that he had started dubbing for his next film, 2.0.
I’m going to start shooting my next film in a couple of weeks, so we also had to discuss the script for that.
Watch the full video of Rajinikanth’s speech here:
Filmmaker SP Muthuraman also attended the event.
(With inputs from The News Minute and ANI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)