Ahead of his political tour, actor Kamal Haasan met superstar Rajinikanth at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai on Sunday, 18 February. The meeting comes amidst fervent speculation by the media over whether the two actor-turned-politicians will tie-up.
Rajinikanth and Kamal's relationship goes back decades, as the duo have acted in several films together in the 1970s. The two actors, towering figures of Tamil cinema, have maintained a good friendship over the years.
“It is a courtesy call and not a political meet. I met him and told him about my decision. I am meeting people I like before I begin my journey. Meeting him is part of our friendship, and not about politics,” Kamal told reporters after his meeting.
The actor said that Rajinikanth wished him well.
Kamal also said, “Only time will tell about us joining hands. The opportunity might come to meet national leaders in the future.”
Rajinikanth also spoke to the media following the visit. He said, "Kamal wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. I will pray to God that he will attain success."
When asked whether the two will join hands, Rajinikanth said, "My style and his are different even in movies."
Rajini added that Kamal has not entered politics for fame or money, and it was only to serve people of the state.
Earlier in February, Kamal had said a political alliance with Rajinikanth was unlikely. Speaking at Harvard University in the US, Kamal had, in conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, said:
We can exist as friends be on one side. But polity is different. I am trying to make a difference to my state. Our general intent may be the good of the people. But I believe that there is a certain way in which good will have to come to the people.
Stating that he will wait for Rajini’s manifesto, Kamal went on to say, “I don’t like to take a detour. It might happen. We’ll wait for his manifesto to be out. Mine will be out soon on the 21 February. If it gels, in polity, for the sake of the people, a good alliance... if it is not full of lies, deceits and tacit under the table nods... that is no good for the people. If that is not there and we are able to see eye to eye on a point – maybe. But I don’t think so because in his very first announcement he made some statements that gave him a hue – I hope it is not saffron. I hope his hue is not saffron.”
Pointing out that their ideologies were different, Kamal said, “As of now, I don’t see it (alliance) happening. If this is the route he is going to take, and if the hue he is going to acquire is going to be saffron, then I can’t see a clear understanding, unless he gives some other explanation that convinces my rational mind.”
“In religion, we don’t belong to the same school of thought. We are poles apart. It will absolutely come in the way of a political agreement. Unless he has a different take on how he wants to take it to the people,” he added.
Kamal Haasan is scheduled to launch his party in Madurai on Wednesday. The star will address a series of meetings, beginning his political tour from former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s residence in Rameshwaram.
His 21 February itinerary will also include unveiling his party flag and party name at Madurai, besides addressing public meetings at Ramanathapuram, and visiting Paramakudi, and Manamadurai.
(This story has been republished with permission from The News Minute.)
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