Rajini holds question-answer session with fans

Superstar Rajinikanth today held a question-answer session with the district level functionaries of his fan clubs at Raghavendra Kalyanamandampam in Chennai.

He was non-committal on entering politics. He would only say that he would think over the matter after completing Director Shankar's "Enthiran" which is being filmed now. He, however, added that he would enter politics 'even tomorrow" if he gets a direction from God.

'Do your duty without any expectation" is what the Bhagavad Gita says, but this is not practical, Rajini told his fans. He would say, "Do your duty and expect results". He would like to be a good husband to his wife, a good father to his children and a good citizen of the country.

He said politics is not easy. Way back in 1996, several people wanted him to enter politics. But he did not know anything about politics at that time. When he desired to be an actor, he studied in a film institute though he was in difficulties. "It is not possible to enter politics without learning the ropes. If anyone says capability and hardship are enough to succeed in politics, it means he is only lying," Rajini said. Success in politics is determined by factors like time, circumstances and the prevailing environment. "If the time is not right, even if one stands head over heals, one would not succeed."

"If God willing, I will join politics even tomorrow," Rajini stressed.

After he addressed the fans, he held a question-answer session. Key functionaries submitted written questions to Rajini. Each of these questions was read out by one of the functionaries and Rajini answered them one by one.

Following are the questions and Rajini's answers:

Will you enter politics?

I have already told you. You take good care of your families. At present, I am acting in "Enthiran". An Indian film of this magnitude has not been made before. It will make the country proud. I am devoting all my time to this project. After the release of this movie I will announce my next plan.

Like today, will you meet us every year?

Sure.

It is not possible to have phone contacts with you…?

If you dial the number at Raghavendra Kalyanamandampam, important calls would be recorded and I will return such calls later.

Will you enhance the status of our Mandram by prescribing a flag for it?

Status is that which should be conferred and not sought.

Will you take steps to implement welfare measures through fan clubs?

There will be politics where there is money. So, don't expect money from me. I have been doing whatever I can and you also do whatever is possible.

Will an office building be built for our Mandram in the State?

When it is decided what will be our next step, we will build one.

Have you stopped doing humanitarian activities?

I had been doing this earlier in public glare. I conducted free marriages district-wise. I am still doing my bit but without publicity.

Will unregistered mandrams be registered?

I will look into this personally after deciding what will be my next plan.

Can we meet you with family?

Yes, certainly.

What will you do to get us recognition in society?

I shall see to it that you get both recognition and respect.

Why "Kuselan" has failed. Were you paid Rs. 25 crores for this film?

(Pause). At the time of launching the film, I stated that I would be playing a guest role. I told the producers, "let us take up distribution as well" since it was a different film. But the Telugu remake had already been negotiated. When I refused to grant the remake rights, Balachander told me that as they had been offered a good price, they could sell the remake rights. He also requested me not to keep saying that I am playing only a guest role I agreed to this. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu rights were sold for Rs. 60 crores. If I commit a mistake, I will accept it. I have not committed any mistake. It is not true that I was paid Rs.25 crores. The fact was I was paid a good remuneration.

Why Satyanarayana (apex mandram president) do not attend district level functions?

He is not keeping good health. A sad incident took place in his family. Here after he will participate in these functions.

Is there any specific reason for you to meet us today?

You wished to meet me. I wished to meet you. I could not meet you earlier for security reasons.

Will you build a memorial for your parents at Naachhikuppam in Krishnagiri district where they were born?

A good question. I will think over it.

The media has dubbed you as "kuzhappavathi" (one who creates confusion)..?

I plead guilty. When I say something, I won't think of consequences. I talk straight. Others look at it from different angles. I controlled with a single statement the situation arising from your pressure that I enter politics immediately. There is no confusion if I am understood correctly. Hereafter I take care to refrain from talking which may create confusion.

Why did you tender an apology to Karnataka people?

The Hogenakkal issue has nothing to do with films. But whatever the issue may be, theatres are targeted in Karnataka. The motive is jealousy. We get good theatres and our films receive good response. During the agitation over the Hogenakkal project, you know how others talked. I was angry and I vented this anger by bursting out 'I would kick…'. I should have said that I would kick only those who indulged in violence. Problems arose when "Kuselan" was about to be released in Karnataka. Chief Minister Yeddiyurappa said security would be provided. My fans were ready for a confrontation. To avert an ugly situation, I expressed my regret. I have not apologized and asked for pardon. But some people again tried to whip up emotions by saying I only expressed regret and not apology. Whatever I do, I do it for public good.

What have you done for your fans?

I am an actor. First I wished to act in meaningful films. But you wanted me to do commercial films. Then you asked for stunts, dance and comedy. I gave them too. Now you are asking for good films which I will give.

You don't meet fans on your birthdays. Why?

For introspection, you need to be alone. I ponder why I was born on my birthdays. So, I don't meet anyone.

Whom should we worship – Raghavendra or Arunachaleswarar or Babaji? We are confused.

I am a Hindu. You should have asked this question when I have embraced Islam and then converted to Christianity. I am interested in the different philosophies of Hinduism.

Will you continue to act in films?

I won't act for money or fame. I will only such films which are within my capacity. Or, I will act in films which will add to the pride of the country.

Rajinikanth Pictures