Tamil film Superstar Rajinikanth addressed the local press on May 17, speaking about Vijay's recent political victory in the state that led him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Clarifying rumours about his view on the latest political update in TN, the Tamil star said he wasn't jealous, but elated over Vijay's win in the state.
"At the age of 52, he has achieved more than MGR and NTR. He faced and won against the BJP at the Centre and two parties here. It was a surprise-filled happiness for me. No Jealousy. A lot of expectations for Vijay and my best wishes to him," the actor said.
He further discussed the criticisms over his meeting with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. "My friendship with Stalin spans nearly 40 years, and it is beyond politics and ideology. Success and failures are common in politics, and I just went and visited him as a friend," he said, adding that his commiserations were misunderstood. "There is a 25-year generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good if we compete.I ’m not even in politics, so why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal (Haasan) becomes the CM, I might get jealous," he said half-jokingly. Haasan is a revered actor-turned-politician in the state.
Actor C. Joseph Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), made a remarkable debut in the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly election, emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats. The outcome marks a significant shift in the State’s political landscape, long dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The actor recently took the oath as the Chief Minister of the state. Rajinikanth, who was last seen in Coolie, will next be seen in Nelson's Jailer 2, which he recently wrapped up. He will also be seen with Kamal Haasan, his long-time contemporary, in an upcoming film directed by Nelson.