CHENNAI: For over a dozen years, questions about his political entry were responded to with an ambiguous ‘God would decide’. The script was the same on Monday when superstar Rajinikanth met fans in Chennai after a gap of 12 years. But there was a crucial change — the dialogue didn’t come at the end, but much earlier in his speech, followed by wise words on what a person in public life should be.
“I’m an instrument in the hands of God. Now he is using me as an actor, and so I perform as one. I don’t know what role he will give me tomorrow. Whatever it is, I will perform with all honesty and sincerity,” said the star amid cheers from select fans who had gathered at his marriage hall in Kodambakkam on the first of the five-day ‘meet the fans’ event.
Coming in the backdrop of the BJP’s efforts to woo the actor to be its face in Tamil Nadu, the comments created ripples in the State. Referring to letters from fans, Rajni said many commented on how those who were once behind him were now shuttling in expensive cars, donning the politician’s white.
“There is nothing wrong in wishing to be an MLA or minister. But I don’t know how to react — they aim to enter politics to make money.”
Dropping ample hints on a possible political journey, Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday harped on probity in public life.
“If I say that I won’t enter politics, you will be disappointed. If a situation comes where I enter politics, I won’t allow people like them (those who want to line their pockets) anywhere near me. So, I advise them -- get away from me right now.”
Referring to the criticism that he would not say anything specific when it comes to politics, Rajini recalled the last time he said something decisive - ahead of Assembly elections in 1996 when he openly commented that not even god would be able to save Tamil Nadu if late leader J Jayalalithaa returned to power. This gave impetus to the opposition front led by DMK.
“Twenty-one years ago, there was an accident in my career with regard to politics. Due to some circumstances, I supported a front and the people of Tamil Nadu also voted for that front. Since then, my name has been doing the rounds in politics,” he said, adding how there were instances of his fans making money from politicians.
“After this, in the later elections, these few fans and politicians approached each other for gains, forcing me to clarify my position in every election that I am not supporting any political front.”
“Whenever I have to take a decision, I think deeply to the extent possible. In some cases we come to know there are some problems only after we venture into it… There should not be *murattu dhairyam* (irrational bravery),” he said.
Another charge against him was that he was hesitant as far as politics is concerned and would do some stunt whenever his film gets released so that the film does well at the box office, he said. “But thanks to your love, affection and blessing, there was no need for me to do such gimmicks. And my fans and the people of Tamil Nadu cannot be cheated by such tricks. But in only one issue, they continue to get deceived; that I don’t want to reveal that now,” said Rajini cryptically, leaving people guessing.
Clarion call to fans: Give up drinking, smoking
Actor Rajinikanth appealed to his fans to give up drinking and smoking as they would ruin both the body and the mind. Addressing his fans, Rajinikanth admitted that during his early days in the film industry, he used to drink. “Now I am ashamed of that habit but I have to admit that.” “Those who are away from this habit so far, please do not get into it. But as for those who have this habit, I can’t ask you to give it up fully because I know you are not yogis or siddhas (laughing). Once in a while, during some celebrations, enjoy (fans also burst into laughter),” he said.
It’s up to Rajini to decide: Stalin
Reacting to Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's statements over politics made during his interaction with fans on Monday, DMK leader M K Stalin said it was up to the hero to decide ‘whether to jump into politics or not’. “Rajinikanth’s fans wish him to enter into politics. It’s up to him whether to jump into politics or not. I don’t want to make any personal comments,” he said. Replying to a question on BJP State president Tamilisai Soundarrajan welcoming the actor’s views, Stalin said he too welcomed them.