Chennai: Tamil superstar Rajinikanth took political circles by surprise and invigorated frenzied fans Monday as he dropped sufficient hints he was not averse to joining politics. He will become a politician “if that’s God’s will”, he declared, and if that happens there would be no place in his party for those desiring to make money out of politics.
The superstar met his fans after a eight-year gap, allowing some of them individual photo sessions at his Raghavendra marriage hall, as kept a promise he had made some time back — which was quickly interpreted as a signal he was getting ready for his long-awaited political avatar. In a 20-minute speech before the long queue for the photo session began, he said: “God decides what we must do in life. Right now, He wants me to be an actor. If God wills, I will enter politics tomorrow.” The packed hall erupted into lusty cheers by his overjoyed fans.
Just as he worked in the cinema with honesty and sincerity, he would also practise high values in public life and politics, the 66-year-old legend declared. There would be no place with him for the corrupt, Rajinikanth said, adding: “Those hoping to make money (by the wrong means) can pack up and leave right now.”
Such unsavoury things did occur in the past, Rajini admitted. He had made a “mistake” some 21 years ago by announcing support for a political alliance (DMK-TMC). It was a “political accident” that in later years encouraged some of his fans to misuse his name to make money out of politicians and political parties. While these fans made money, politicians used them to make it appear that they enjoyed his (Rajini) support. “And that’s why I issued clear statements during every election that I do not support any political party,” he said.
Regretting that he could not meet his fans as regularly as he wished, Rajini said the earlier meetings had to be put off for various reasons. But the postponements triggered media reports that he lacked the guts to take the political plunge and wavered on critical decisions.
“I think deeply, wisely, before taking a decision. If you step into the water and find crocodiles there, you shouldn’t choose to be brave and refuse to quickly withdraw. Such blind courage will take you nowhere,” he said.
Referring to some reports that he indulged in “such stunts” (triggering expectations of a political launch) before the release of his film to ensure its success at the box office, Rajini said: “I don’t need to do such things as I have always enjoyed the blessings of my fans and the Tamil people. My fans are not fools to be deceived by such means. A film will succeed only if it is good. Even if you do somersaults, bad content will flunk.”
