CHENNAI: Rajinikanth dismissed speculation that he was “jealous” of C Joseph Vijay’s political rise, saying he felt “exhilarated” seeing someone from the film industry become chief minister and take on both Dravidian majors and the BJP-led Union govt. “At such a young age, he has achieved more than what MGR and NTR did,” Rajinikanth said.“I’m not in politics. I confirmed that I would stay away from politics. Why would I envy Vijay,” Rajinikanth told reporters outside his Poes Garden residence on Sunday.“There is a 25-year gap between Vijay and me, and I have made it clear that seeing each other as competitors is not good for either of us. I might or might not have felt jealous if my contemporary Kamal Haasan became chief minister,” said the actor.Dismissing rumours that he mediated between AIADMK and DMK leaders to prevent Vijay from becoming CM, Rajinikanth said he would never compromise his integrity. “Is it even possible to discuss such a thing at the height of political tension,” he asked.
I met Stalin as a friend, says Rajini
Rajinikanth said he met DMK leader M K Stalin because he was upset over his defeat in Kolathur in the assembly election. “We have a 40-year friendship that goes beyond politics. I met him as a friend, but it led to criticism that I did not like Vijay becoming CM,” he said.The superstar said Vijay entered politics at the right time, when people were looking for an alternative to the 60-year rule of the Dravidian majors. He added that Vijay’s popularity, especially among women and youngsters, and social media presence helped him in a big way.“People have a lot of expectations from Vijay. I’m confident he will fulfil them. But they should spare him for at least two years so he can function effectively. His fans and cadre should be extra careful, because all their actions will have an impact on him,” he said.The actor said he would have won the elections had he entered the political arena in 2001, and understood the disappointment of his fans when he later chose to stay away.“I have told my fans they can join any political party. Acting and politics are different. If something happens to me while acting, only a producer will be affected. But in politics, it would affect lakhs of people,” he said.About meeting the chief minister, Rajinikanth said he was not interested in the customary meeting.“I met CM M Karunanidhi in 1996 because he wanted to meet me.”
