Sources close to Rajinikanth said he opted for a low-key birthday following Cyclone Ochki, in which nearly 500 Tamil fishermen are still missing and 40 people had died. But this happens to be the third year Rajinikanth has chosen to stay away from the fan frenzy.
This time too, ahead of the D-Day, posters have come up in Chennai and elsewhere, urging the superstar to take the political plunge. Among the multiple posters designed for his birthday, one showed him carrying a sword. The accompanying message read: "We stand holding your hands, You come Thalaiva [Leader]."
Posters designed by Rajinikanth fans showing his with a sword.
There were even expectations that he would launch his own party.
The 67-year-old has given out mixed signals. In May, he had said, "If God wills it, I will enter politics tomorrow," triggering fan frenzy. As local BJP leaders immediately invited him to join the party, the actor gave a cryptic reply. "Whatever I had to say I said, now I have nothing more to say" he had said.
Speculation of Rajinikanth finally taking the plunge rose again early last month.
But the actor had stalled, saying there was "no pressing need for a foray into politics right now".
Though some of his fans have expressed reservation over his political ambition, most others have shown their support. "There would be healthy competition. Rajini Sir should join another party than starting his own party," says P Swetha. "People accept him. It would be great if he would say yes," said M Rajeev.
Fans seen pouring milk on life-size Rajinikanth poster
This year, the actors fans have organised a series of prayer meetings for his welfare.
Rajinikanth is currently working on two films - 2.0 directed by Shankar starring Akshay Kumar, which is to hit the screens early next year and Kaala, a film by Paa Ranjith.
