“Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan cannot replace or fill the vacuum created by Jayalalithaa’s demise in Tamil Nadu politics. It is not that easy and not possible overnight”, was actress Gautami’s scathing comment after she paid a visit to Jaya’s memorial on the Marina on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She released a video album titled ‘Magale’ in which she stars and which she has also produced. The theme of the album is to promote women’s empowerment and the release of the video was timed to coincide with the special day. The actress placed the ‘Magale’ album in front of Amma’s memorial while dedicating it to all the women in the world.
Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Amma was a true inspiration and role model for all women and I felt it is a fitting tribute to release in her memorial an album which makes womanhood proud.” She went on to say, “I have been working on various women related projects through my Life Again Foundation. “It is not possible for a single person to achieve anything. That’s why we have joined hands with many likeminded people to work for the welfare of women”. Reacting to a query about Jayalalithaa’s death having created a void in Tamil Nadu politics, she said, “Undoubtedly yes! She was a distinct leader. She had a commanding personality and no one can match her”.
When queried about the political entry of Kamal and Rajini (with whom she has acted in many movies) she said, “Both of them have attained big heights in cinema through their hard work and nothing came to them overnight. It is the same case with politics. They can’t change anything overnight in Tamil Nadu. They have to work hard.” The manner in which she is going about things now it appears Gautami may herself be interested in entering politics. She has been very vocal on many social issues. She also wrote a letter to the PM to investigate the death of Jayalalithaa. And most recently, she wrote blogs to air allegations against actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on how she had not been paid for working on costumes by Raaj Kamal Films International for the movies Vishwaroopam and Dasavathaaram starring Kamal.
Ever since Gautami ended a 13-year-long relationship with ‘Neta’’ Kamal Haasan in 2016, the actress has been active in social media platforms as well as in her outside activities. She was appointed a member of Central Board of Film Certification last year. Gautami has also described her relationship with Kamal as “an unrelenting torment with a shattered self-respect.” And the timing of her blog saying this took everyone by surprise as she posted it within a couple of days of Kamal Haasan launching his party Makkal Needhi Maiam on February 21.
