Chennai: Tamil actor Rajinikanth said on Monday that although he does not desire to join politics, he will consider taking the plunge if it is God’s will. He went on to add that if he does, he will never entertain people who want to make money of it.
“My life is in the hands of God. Now he is using me as an actor. Don’t know what is in store for me. But don’t be disappointed if I don’t enter politics,” said the 66-year-old actor while talking to his fans in Chennai.
“In case I enter politics, I will be truthful and will not work with those who are into this to make money,” he added.
Rajinikanth, who had planned to meet his fans last month but ended up cancelling, met 600 of them on Monday.
Ruing that many politicians and political parties had misused his name for political gains, Rajinikanth told them, “I made a mistake by supporting a political alliance 20 years ago. It was a political accident.”
He added, “My name has been dragged into politics in the last 20 years. I am pushed to clarify during every election that I’m not affiliated to any political party.”
In 1996, the actor had extended his support to a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, which swept the polls that year.
“If Jayalalithaa is voted back to power, even God cannot save Tamil Nadu,” the actor had famously said then.
His strong remarks against the late chief minister J. Jayalalithaa contributed to her defeat in 1996. Since then, he has not been involved in any political activity.
Rajinikanth, at Jayalalithaa’s condolence meeting in December last year, had regretted that he had criticized her.
“I was an important reason for her defeat (in 1996),” the actor had said.
Rajinikanth, who will meet fans for the next four days, said that work on his next movie will begin on 28 May.
He requested his fans to refrain from drinking and smoking.
“Take care of your family and children. Don’t waste your life by smoking and drinking. It will not only affect your physical health but also your decision-making ability. I have been affected enough so please take my advice seriously,” he said.