A simple birthday greeting, or rather the absence of one on social media, has recently become the subject of intense discussion among fans. When Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay celebrated his 52nd birthday on June 22, many celebrities, politicians and industry associates took to social media to share their wishes. However, superstar Rajinikanth’s silence online has quickly caught the attention of fans, fueling speculation as to whether he is deliberately ignoring the occasion.The veteran actor finally addressed the rumors on Wednesday while attending the title launch event of his upcoming film ‘Dharman’ in Chennai.
Rajinikanth revealed that he personally contacted Vijay
After the film’s title reveal and first look, Rajinikanth briefly interacted with the media. As reporters asked him about Vijay’s missing birthday post, the superstar gave a candid explanation. “I begged him by phone.”With a brief reply, Rajinikanth clarified that he expressed his wishes privately rather than through a public message on social media, ending days of online speculation.During the event, Rajinikanth also reflected on the scrutiny that often follows his public statements. The actor admitted that he is now careful with public interactions because almost everything he says has the potential to create a debate.“The moment someone says that they called me to speak, I feel doubtful. The superstar noted that silence is also not a solution, because it always invites a different kind of criticism. “If I keep silent, they will mock me saying, why didn’t he speak? Is he hiding a kozhukatai in his mouth?”His comments drew laughs from the audience, but they also highlighted the pressure that comes with being one of the country’s most watched public figures.
Rajinikanth on lessons learned from decades in the spotlight
Rajinikanth continues to share a personal observation about dealing with public opinion after decades in the limelight. “If I speak, some will say, why did he speak now? Others will say that he shouldn’t have spoken.” The actor added that experience taught him not to seek universal approval.“After many years, I understood one thing: people who don’t like us don’t like us, no matter what we do. And to think that people who like us like everything we do, no matter what we do, is stupid. One has to be careful.”The latest speculation comes just weeks after Rajinikanth was forced to address rumors about his equation with Vijay following the Tamil Nadu election results. Social media was flooded with claims that the superstar was unhappy with Vijay’s political success, prompting Rajinikanth to hold a press interaction at his Poes Garden residence.Dismissing the rumors at the time, he said. “Rajini is not a cheap or low standard person who does not need to talk about anything. I was very surprised when I heard that Vijay has become the Chief Minister. When the Chief Minister won, I congratulated him.He further dismissed any suggestion of rivalry between the two stars. “I’m not in politics, why should I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal becomes the CM, maybe I’ll be jealous. Vijay and I have a 25-year generation gap. It’s not good to see us competing.”
A big new chapter with ‘Dharman’
While questions about Vijay dominated the interaction segment, the occasion itself centered around the announcement of ‘Dharman’, Rajinikanth’s 173rd film. Produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the project marks a landmark collaboration between two legends of Tamil cinema.Rajinikanth was last seen in ‘Coolie’, and with ‘Dharman’ officially launched, attention has once again shifted from political speculation to the superstar’s much-anticipated return to the big screen.
