I did not try to broker a deal between DMK and AIADMK: Rajinikanth

Addressing the media on the current political climate of Tamil Nadu, actor Rajinikanth made it clear that actor-turned-CM Vijay does not envy political success.(Video) | Photo credit: The Hindu

Actor Rajinikanth on Sunday dismissed speculation that he tried to broker a deal between the DMK and the AIADMK, saying he does not envy Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s success.

Addressing reporters at his Poes Garden residence, Mr Rajinikanth said the Dravidian parties had been in power for 60 years and there was a need for change. Buoyed by his popularity in cinema, Mr. Vijay has come at the right time to make this change, he added.

“After the (Assembly election) results, I met (former chief minister) Stalin, sir, how he lost in Kolathur. He is my friend for the last 40 years. Our friendship goes beyond ideology. Victory and defeat are part of democracy. Still, I felt bad about Mr. Stalin’s defeat in Kolathur, so I tried to ensure that the two parties broke the big deal that brought him a lot of criticism. Mr. Vijay will not become the main minister, I would never stoop so low, I would like to explain,” he said.

“I am not into politics. Mr. Vijay and I have an age gap of 20-25 years. His success is more than that of NTR (late NT Rama Rao, actor-turned-Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) and MGR (late MG Ramachandran, actor-turned-Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He has won many and happy ones against the powerful Drama People’s government. Happy too. I have expectations from him and I believe he will fulfill them,” he said.

Responding to a suggestion that his fans believe he could become prime minister if he forms a party in 2021, the actor said: “I gave a three-page explanation as to why I didn’t enter politics… I understand they may be disappointed.”

On his decision to continue in films, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “Politics is different from acting in films. I can always quit acting if my health deteriorates. It would only affect my producer. Politics is a big responsibility involving millions and millions of people. It is not that easy.”

Asked if he would meet the chief minister to discuss the film industry’s demands, he said, “Producers’ Council members have met him. Nadigar Sangam members have met him. (Actor) Kamal Haasan has also met him. I don’t want to meet him for formality.”

Mr. Rajinikanth said that Mr. Vijay should be given a two-year deadline before being tried because expectations from people were high.

“He should be allowed to rule for two years (without being tried). His party cadres and supporters should be careful because any mistake they make will affect Vijay.”

On why he did not attend Mr. Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Rajinikanth pointed out that he did not attend former DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s swearing-in ceremony in 1996 either. “I met him after about a fortnight. He actually called me asking if he could come to see me, but I went to see him.”

Asked if he thought he would have won if he entered politics, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “100%…I would have won.”

Published – 17 May 2026 11:26 IST