As Megastar and soon to be politician Rajinikanth enters a new year in his life on December 12, fans and members of the film fraternity have started pouring in tributes and wishes for their beloved Thalaivar. Composer AR Rahman, and actors Keerty Suresh and Sunil Shetty were among the few to share Rajnikanth's 70th Birthday CDP on Twitter.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in an economically challenged Maratha family in Bengaluru on December 12, 1950, Rajinikanth has worked as a coolie and bus conductor while acting in Kannada plays. After joining an acting course, he entered the Kollywood film industry with K Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal. Said to be the first Indian to enter the 100 Crore Club after earning Rs 26 crore for his role Sivaji, he is known to be a box-office gale force.
The question of whether the Megastar will make his foray into politics has been finally answered. Recently, the actor tweeted that he would launch his political party in January 2021, five months before the Tamil Nadu election. However, the actor did not clarify if he would contest the 2021 state elections.
Rajinikanth said he would announce the details of his party on December 31, 2020. In a statement released on Twitter, he said, “Our party with the support of people will capture power and provide a corruption-free and transparent government that will be above caste, creed and religion.” He also tweeted, “We will change everything. Miracle and wonder will happen.”
In a press conference shortly after his Twitter announcement, the Kollywood superstar said that he hoped to bring about a change in Tamil Nadu with his entry into politics. “I am just an instrument. Only the people can bring about the change. If I win, it is the people’s victory. If I am defeated, it will be their defeat. We need to change everything. If not now, then never,” he said.
Rajinikanth’s announcement comes a few days after he met with senior office bearers of his forum — the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM). After the meeting, Rajinikanth had urged his members to continue their efforts to strengthen the party and announced that he would state his final decision on taking the political plunge soon. Although RMM wanted Rajinikanth as their CM candidate, the actor had hinted otherwise earlier.
In fact, in October 2020, the actor, responding to a leaked statement, confirmed that doctors had advised him against meeting people and campaigning during the Covid-19 pandemic as he had undergone a kidney transplant in 2016. During his press conference today, Rajinikanth, talking about his health, “You know I underwent a kidney transplant. The doctors advised me against entering politics. But, for the people of Tamil Nadu, whose prayers only helped me recover when I was undergoing treatment in Singapore, I am ready to even sacrifice my life.”
