Rajinikanth has chosen to build an organisational machinery before formally launching his party. But his response to the Thoothukudi protests have angered even his ardent fans.
On May 31 morning, as he set out from his Poes Garden residence in Chennai to meet the people of Thoothukudi, everything appeared perfectly scripted for Rajinikanth. “I am going as an actor to meet the people and console them,” he said. “If they see an actor like me, they will be happy.” But, at Thoothukudi, things went awry for the superstar as he lost his cool, caught in the middle of angry protestors. When he returned in the evening, he looked like an inept politician.
“If you go on protesting for anything and everything, Tamil Nadu will become a graveyard,” an angry Rajinikanth told the media. “There were anti-social elements in Thoothukudi, and they were the reason for the riots. They attacked policemen in uniform. That is wrong.” Rajinikanth got upset after a young man, as a mark of protest, asked him at a Thoothukudi hospital, “Who are you?” He maintained decorum at the hospital and replied, “I am Rajinikanth. I have come from Chennai.” But, he decided to return to Chennai immediately. He had planned to meet some of the injured and hand over a compensation of 02 lakh to each of them. But, it was left to officials of his fan club, the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), to distribute the cheques.
Rajinikanth, who on December 31 announced that his brand of politics would be “spiritual”, is turning out to be not so different from other politicians. On May 9, Rajinikanth fans who were gathered at the sprawling YMCA grounds in Chennai for the audio launch of his latest movie, Kaala, were stunned when they found that everything was painted black. Even the cast and crew members were dressed in black to suit the theme of the movie. It was perhaps an indication of how Rajinikanth, who normally prefers saffron, is changing colours, with an eye on the chief minister's post.
Denne historien er fra June 17, 2018-utgaven av THE WEEK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 17, 2018-utgaven av THE WEEK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
