Twitter
Advertisement

Stardom not enough: Rajinikanth to Kamal Haasan

The Rs 2.80-crore memorial in the late actor's honour was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

Latest News
article-main
Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in Chennai on Sunday
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

In Tamil Nadu, it is no secret that politics and cinema go hand in hand. This was once again played out on Sunday, when the inauguration of a memorial in the honour of one of Tamil Nadu's enduring icons, Sivaji Ganesan, saw political rivals and film stars, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, sharing the stage.

The Rs 2.80-crore memorial in the late actor's honour was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. This was the first time that the superstars, who have both hinted at taking a political plunge, were sharing the stage with members of the state Cabinet after Haasan attacked the ruling AIADMK on issues such as corruption and the spread of dengue. Rajini didn't waste the opportunity. Taking a dig at his Haasan, he said stardom alone does not guarantee a successful political career.

Rajinikanth said that not only in acting, Sivaji has taught a lesson to his juniors (in cinema) in politics too. "Sivaji started his own political party and contested the election and lost even his own seat. There is a lesson in it. To emerge successful in politics, it is not enough to have filmy fame and clout. We need something more than fame. Only people know what it is, I don't know," he said.

Rajini said he believed Haasan knew what it would take to emerge successful in politics but wouldn't share it with anyone.

"Had I asked him two months ago, he would have told me. Now when I ask him, as a senior in the film industry, he says, 'come with me, I'll tell you'," Rajinikanth said, breaking into laughter, even as Haasan smiled.

Haasan, who spoke before Rajinikanth, took pot shots at the AIADMK government, saying that there is no need to plead with anyone to show respect to the veteran actor. A controversy broke out over the inauguration of the memorial as it was earlier planned to be opened by Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar.

However, Sivaji's family members and film fraternity wanted the memorial to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami or Panneerselvam.

Jayakumar, who has been critical of Haasan's political ambitions, sprang a surprise when he urged the national award winner to come on to the stage when he was seated in the audience. After Haasan did so and was seated with Panneerselvam, Rajinikanth and other ministers, Jayakumar even honoured the actor with a shawl.

Unlike Rajini, who hinted at taking a political plunge a few months ago, Haasan, who was more vocal in his criticism of the ruling AIADMK government through his tweet, announced his plans to float his own party or movement. He also met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Both Kamal and Rajini are seeking to take advantage of the huge political vacuum created by the demise of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa and ailing DMK chief M Karunanidhi. "Both actors – Kamal and Rajini – are aspiring to fill up the political vacuum. But they had failed to take into account that MGR and Jayalalithaa did not come to power by making a sudden political entry. MGR was in politics since the 1950s and had a parallel film and political career before floating his own party in 1972. Jayalalithaa was brought by MGR in the 1980s and was nominated to Rajya Sabha and then made party's propaganda secretary. She went on to become chief minister in 1991 after successfully claiming political legacy of her mentor MGR and his party AIADMK," said writer and political commentator Arunan.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement