By Shankar B.
Spent most of formative years in Madras (Chennai) and studied between schools in different areas. The college I passed out was also known for something and we ended up always being aggressive between Rajini and Kamal and this scuffle would go higher towards the release of these films. I Back those days it used to be fun.
Other than snacks, savouries and new clothes on important festive days ( Pongal, Diwali and Tamil New Year’s Day ) the state also wore a celebratory look. To a large extent the state (Tamil Nadu) in pre-era of Satellite channels used to witness something like David Vs Goliath. Rajini and Kamal films used to release creating a combat like environment in Theatres.
Me and my few friends have always been a Superstar fan from the time I remember seeing him in Big Screens. The moment he used to come on screen we were exhilarated and pumping with excitement. and for people who are newbies to Rajini, the title music Super Star Rajini was created during his hit film Annamalai
The Title Super Star was given around 1981 by none other than a well-known producer – Kalaipuli Thanu. Out of the 165 plus films what he has done there are a very few washouts one could number in their 10 fingers and at this age he continues to dazzle us like he used to do in the 70’s.
Why do we like him? The on-screen persona, the guy next door image, the style, fights etc one could continue to put up a laundry list.
I have had great exchanges with him, once we did a celebration for his birthday and I mumbled in his ear that people have written in blood wishing him happy birthday – he was shell shocked and said “Appidiya” (Is it?)
There was another occasion where we had to celebrate 50 years of legendary director K Balachander (he was the one who got him to movies). Infact the name Rajinikanth was christened by none other than his godfather director K Balachander around 1975 during the Holi Festival. Both Kamal and Rajini adore K Balachander and treat him his Pedagogue.
I had visited his home along with my boss to invite him as Chief Guest and Rajini said its Chandramukhi Release ( 2005 ) and would try for sure. He spent more than an hour, and I was tempted to say that I saw his film Baasha more than 10 times, he was blushing and said maybe it’s a great film.
On the event day April 2005 at Nehru Indoor Stadium around 630pm he surprises us and the crowd of more than 15000 went berserk. Kamal Hasan had also attended and they were both seated next to their godfather K Balachander on either side. This picture was very memorable and kept doing the rounds.
Recently too last year when he had called to wish for Diwali, his energy and aura continued to be the same. Imagine when his office called up, I said I’m sorry I’m driving can he call me tomorrow, his office promptly did so.
I’m always in awe of him, very rarely I have missed a FDFS for the last 2 decades, I have always made it a point to experience it wherever.
Now - Why do people love him so much? It’s probably he is very simple, doesn’t sport another imagery when he visits people or attends functions, he is pretty much a producer’s delight. If my memory serves right Rajini’s 100th film – Sri Ragavendra didn’t do all that well in the box office and he then was one of the first actors to compensate the distributors. He wasn’t even the producer of the film – it was Kavithalaya Productions.
In today’s day and age there are these film stars, directors, musicians who have jumped the bandwagon of brand endorsements except Rajini.
I wish him luck, good health and happiness and continue to enthrall us like always!
