Rajinikanth is a phenomenon like no other in the world. Though his films are made principally in Tamil which is the first language of less than 6% of India’s population, he enjoys stardom that is both unique and unprecedented. Rajini’s fans are a breed unlike any other; they are present everywhere and world leaders count themselves in their number!
Recently, the man who many call God, met the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak. The superstar tweeted this picture of the two.
The Malaysian PM was on a two day visit to Chennai when Rajini, caught up with him. The Thaliavar is very popular in Malaysia and had also shot for his last big release Kabali for two months in Malaysia. The PM saw clippings of Kabali and is also reportedly looking forward to the sequel.
The Malaysian PM invited the superstar to come to Malaysia to shoot for Kabali 2. Apparently, the appeal of Rajini is such that, this can help, to promote Malaysian tourism among Indians and to increase the number of Indians visiting the South East Asian country.
Legend has it, that if you start to sing a popular SRK song in Malaysia, someone around will complete it for you! Shah Rukh Khan was also the first Indian actor to be awarded the title of ‘Datuk’ (a sort of knighthood) and has promoted tourism in the country through many of his films. Now it would seem that SRK has competition in the Malaysian fandom ratings. However, Rajini quashed any rumours that he may be replacing Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador for Malaysian tourism.
The Malaysian eagerness to be associated with Rajini is understandable. Rajini mania is unlike the adulation for any other star in this film-mad country. When his film Enthiran was due for release, his devotee fans did this to ensure the success of him film: they climbed the 1,305 steps of a famous temple on their knees.
A few years ago, Rajinikanth had been hospitalized for a kidney ailment. People were distraught and updates of the superstar’s health and wellbeing were regularly given out to allay panic. When he recovered, 1008 people proceeded to shave their heads as and by way of saying thanks to the almighty!
With so many actors from the South becoming politicians after having enjoyed success in films, it almost seems like a natural progression to join politics. Predictably, Rajini has frequently been urged by fans to join politics and to ‘Save Tamil Nadu’. The superstar has so far resisted all such entreaties.
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