Rajinikanth reveals Kamal Haasan doesn’t give him political tips anymore

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan attend inauguration event of Sivaji Ganesan’s memorial.

The stalwarts of the Tamil film industry and politics gathered on Sunday in Chennai for the inauguration of Sivaji Ganesan’s memorial. But, all eyes were on superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan as both movie-gods are expected to take a plunge into active politics soon.

While Kamal was blunt and critical, as usual, of the ruling AIADMK-government, Rajinikanth was more kind to the politicians on the dais even as he sort of rued that his long-time friend (Kamal), who has made clear of his political ambitions, was not ready to advise him on politics anymore.

“Sivaji gave lessons to his juniors not just in acting, but also in politics,” Rajinikanth said, “he floated his own party and contested elections from his own constituency and lost.”

He added that Sivaji’s poll defeat was an insult to electors of his constituency. “He has left a message for us actors. To be successful in politics, just name, fame and money are not enough. We needed to have something above that,” said the 66-years-old superstar.

“Only electors know what it takes for actors to become successful politicians. I don’t know for sure. I think Kamal Haasan knows it. Even if I ask him, he won’t share it with me. He may have told me if I had asked him two months ago,” Rajinikanth quipped referring to Kamal’s imminent political debut.

“I told him (Kamal) that you’re my elder brother in the film industry and you should tell me what is needed for an actor to succeeded in politics. And he says, ‘come with me, I will tell you’,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

Kamal and Rajinikanth have displayed a great off-screen friendship for nearly 50 years. For more than 20 years, Rajinikanth has kept the people of Tamil Nadu, national and regional parties and political observers guessing on his much-discussed political debut. But, Kamal blindsided everyone by being vocal about his political aspirations in the last few months.