Chennai: Politics and film personalities are inseparable in Tamil Nadu.. It has always been a successful way to larger glory and power for many actors who dominated the political arena from time to time after making a humble beginning from lights, camera and action. They have considerable number of fans.
Since the Dravidian parties’ domination from 1967 except present Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, stalwarts like Anna, AIADMK founder MGR who had been CM on three occasions, Mrs Janaki Ramachandran, AIADMK supremo Ms J. Jayalalithaa (four terms as CM) and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi (five terms) are from the film industry starting their career as script writers or actors.
The latest to launch a political party in 2005, the DMDK, is Vijayakanth, a former action hero nicknamed “Captain” and South Indian Film Artiste Association president R. Sarath Kumar a bodybuilder turned actor, and presently MLA, too has launched his party AISMK. Actors like Radha Ravi and S. Ve. Sekhar have been legislators, while Napolean (DMK) and Ramarajan (AIADMK) have been MPs and presently actor Arun Pandian represents Peravurani Assembly constituency and Michael Royapan is a film producer representing Radhapuram constituency and film producer Nanjil Anbagazhan represents AIADMK.
South Indians’ devotion to their film stars forms a good base for any aspiring politician. And Tamil Nadu’s “Kollywood” industry has been churning out politicians who have also been ‘star’ campaigners during many an election too. The latest among the ‘stars’ is superstar Rajinikanth who has emerged as an ideal choice for many political party leaders who vie with each other in seeking his support. Actor Vijay’s fans too dream their hero to become a political leader.
1996: Rajini extends support to Tamil Maanila Congress founded by the late G.K. Moopanar. The DMK-TMC alliance swept the polls then.
2002: He announced that he would unveil plans to start a 'people's movement' on the Cauvery issue and highlight the need to interlink the Himalayan and peninsular rivers. He denied having any desire to see himself as a 'political leader or statesman'.
2004: He pledged his vote for BJP-AIADMK combine. He had then said that the support for the alliance was based on the BJP's assurance to strive for the interlinking of the rivers in the country.
2008: Reacting to a fan's question on his entry into politics, Rajinikanth said: "It would be foolish to think that one is successful in politics due to sheer capability, experience and hard work. It is all a question of time and circumstances. If the time is not right, nothing can help."
2014: April: Narendra Modi, as Prime Ministerial candidate, visited the superstar prior to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Mr Modi said the actor was a good friend and a well-wisher.
2014 August: While shooting for his latest film, Lingaa Rajinikanth, said in Mangalore that he would enter politics if God wished it so. Apparently, when a reporter asked what his wish was, he replied: “God’s wish is my wish.”
2014 August: While shooting for his Lingaa, Rajinikanth, said in Mangalore that he would enter politics if God wished it so.
2014, October 19: After AIADMK supremo Ms. J. Jayalalithaa was let out on bail and returned to Chennai, Rajinikanth said he was 'very glad' to see her, a neighbour, back home in Poes Garden.
2014 October: State president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, visited the actor's house upon an invitation from Rajinikanth's wife, Lata. Later, in Delhi, the leader said that her party was not chasing the actor.
2014, November 16: The Superstar hinted that he was ready to serve the people provided he got the green signal from God.
