‘Meeting fans in April, nothing political about it,’ says Rajinikanth

The superstar also met with Malaysian PM Najib Razak, who visited him at his Chennai residence.
‘Meeting fans in April, nothing political about it,’ says Rajinikanth
‘Meeting fans in April, nothing political about it,’ says Rajinikanth
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Superstar Rajinikanth put rest to speculation of his meeting with his fan clubs on April 2, which many interpreted as his stepping stone into Tamil Nadu politics.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Rajinkanth clarified, "The meeting on April 2 was long due as fans wanted photographs. There is nothing political about that and no major announcement (is expected). The fans are meeting on April 2 and I will be meeting them from April 11 to 16."  

The actor also dismissed reports that he was becoming the Malaysian tourism ambassador, after he met the country's Prime Minister Najib Razak at his residence in Chennai on Friday.

“I wasn't offered to become the brand ambassador. All these are rumours,” Rajini said.  

This clarification comes after reports suggested that the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, proposed Rajini's name as the state's tourism ambassador. The suggestion to replace Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently the face of Malaysia's tourism was reportedly well received by MPs. The Malaysian Prime Minister's visit to the actor's residence was seen as further endorsement of this report.

Explaining the timing of Razak’s visit, Rajini said, “I shot Kabali in Malaysia and couldn't get to thank him and express my gratitude to them so he came and we had a cordial meet.”

Rajinikanth's last release, 'Kabali', was a film about Tamils in Malaysia and was predominantly shot in that region, with very few segments in India and Hong Kong. The movie was also dubbed in Malay and was well received in the country.

According to reports, the actor's popularity that was made evident by the crowds gathering at his shooting venues in Malaysia, prompted the Government to make the superstar its tourism ambassador. Rajini, however, claims that the visit, was merely a symbol of gratitude. 

The Malyasian PM arrived in Chennai on Thursday as part of his six-day visit to the country. His visit, according to reports, is aimed at taking forward the close political and economic ties between the two countries. A reception was held by Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao for Razakon Thursday evening. Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Speaker P Dhanapal also attended the reception. 

Speaking about the controversy over his Sri Lankan visit, Rajinikanth said, “I am disappointed but It's all over and we will sort it out."  The superstar, who was scheduled to inaugurate houses for displaced Tamils in Jaffna on April 9, was forced to cancel his visit to the island-nation after Tamil Nadu parties including the VCK and MDMK opposed his trip. They justified their protests on the grounds that Rajinikanth’s visit would be seen as an endorsement of the Sri Lankan government, which has continued to deny the rights of Lankan Tamils.

Rajinikanth's fanbase which extends across countries, is currently looking forward to his next film 2.0, a sequel to the blockbuster Enthiran which was released in 2010. "The shooting for 2.0 has been completed. Everything went well. It's set for a Diwali release," the actor confirmed. 

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