Chennai: Rajinikanth attended the title launch event of his upcoming film ‘Dharman’ on Wednesday, where he was joined by Kamal Haasan and director Ashwath Marimuthu.
Speaking to the media, the veteran admitted that he has become reluctant to comment publicly, noting that he is criticised both when he speaks and when he chooses to remain silent.
His remarks come amid the controversy sparked by his May press conference, in which he addressed speculation surrounding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay.
Beginning his address at the event, Rajinikanth said that in recent times, almost every statement he makes ends up attracting unnecessary attention and debate.
“The moment someone says they are calling me to speak, I feel hesitant. Because whenever I speak, it becomes a problem, either for you or for me,” the veteran actor said in Tamil.
Pointing out that staying silent doesn’t help either, he added, “If I stay quiet, they will make fun of me saying, why isn’t he speaking? Has he kept a kozhukattai (a sweet delicacy) in his mouth?”
He continued, “If I speak, some will say, why did he speak now? Others will say he shouldn’t have spoken at all.” Reflecting on his decades of experience in the public eye, he said, “After many years, I have understood one thing: people who don’t like us will not like us, no matter what we do. And thinking that people who like us will like everything we do, whatever we do, is foolish. One has to be careful.”
Following Vijay’s victory in the Tamil Nadu elections, speculation began swirling that Rajinikanth was unhappy with the result.
Seeking to put the rumours to rest, the superstar held a press conference at his Chennai residence, where he revealed that he had met former chief minister M.K. Stalin after the polls, describing him as a friend.
Rajinikanth also dismissed claims that he was upset with Vijay or had failed to congratulate him on his victory.
However, rather than ending the speculation, his remarks appeared to fuel further debate.
“Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person to speak unnecessarily about anything else. I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the Chief Minister. As soon as the chief minister won, I congratulated him. I’m not even in politics, so why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal (Haasan) becomes the CM, I might get jealous. (smiles) There is a 25-year generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good if we compete,” Rajinikanth had said.
