A simple birthday greeting, or rather the absence of one on social media, recently became the subject of intense discussion among fans. When Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay celebrated his 52nd birthday on June 22, several celebrities, politicians and industry colleagues took to social media to share their wishes. However, superstar Rajinikanth’s silence online quickly caught the attention of fans, sparking speculation about whether he had intentionally chosen not to acknowledge the occasion.The veteran actor finally addressed the rumours on Wednesday while attending the title launch event of his upcoming film ‘Dharman’ in Chennai.
Rajinikanth reveals he personally contacted vijay
Following the unveiling of the film’s title and first look, Rajinikanth briefly interacted with the media. As reporters questioned him about the missing birthday post for Vijay, the superstar offered a straightforward explanation. “I already wished him through the call.”With that brief response, Rajinikanth made it clear that he had conveyed his wishes privately rather than through a public social media message, putting an end to days of online speculation.During the event, Rajinikanth also reflected on the scrutiny that often follows his public statements. The actor admitted that he now approaches public interactions with caution because almost everything he says tends to generate debate.“The moment someone says they are calling me to speak, I feel hesitant. Because whenever I speak, it becomes a problem, either for you or for me.” The superstar noted that remaining silent is no solution either, as it often invites a different kind of criticism. “If I stay quiet, they will make fun of me saying, why isn’t he speaking? Has he kept a kozhukattai in his mouth?”His comments drew laughter from those present, but they also highlighted the pressure that comes with being one of the most closely watched public figures in the country.
Rajinikanth on lessons learned from decades in the spotlight
Rajinikanth went on to share a personal observation about dealing with public opinion after spending decades in the limelight. “If I speak, some will say, why did he speak now? Others will say he shouldn’t have spoken at all.” The actor added that experience has taught him not to seek universal approval.“After many years, I have understood one thing: people who don’t like us will not like us, no matter what we do. And thinking that people who like us will like everything we do, whatever we do, is foolish. One has to be careful.”The latest speculation comes just weeks after Rajinikanth was forced to address rumours regarding his equation with Vijay following the Tamil Nadu election results. Social media was flooded with claims that the superstar was unhappy about Vijay’s political success, prompting Rajinikanth to hold a press interaction at his Poes Garden residence.Rejecting the rumours at the time, he had said: “Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person to speak unnecessarily about anything else. I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the Chief Minister. As soon as the Chief Minister won, I congratulated him.”He further dismissed any suggestion of rivalry between the two stars. “I’m not even in politics, so why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal becomes the CM, I might get jealous. There is a 25-year generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good if we compete.”
A big new chapter with ‘Dharman’
While questions about Vijay dominated part of the interaction, the occasion itself was centred 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’ now officially launched, attention has once again shifted from political speculation to the superstar’s much-anticipated return to the big screen.
