By AMIT KUMAR
The superstar says his meeting with MK Stalin was personal, while his interaction with Vijay was meant to convey congratulations and goodwill.
CHENNAI, May 17, 2026 — Veteran actor Rajinikanth ruled the internet for past days in the wake of his meetings with M. K. Stalin and actor-turned-politician-turned Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. Some said he had missed the bus. He also asserted that if had floated a political party in 2001, he too like Vijay would have politically ruled Tamil Nadu.
In the last two decades, elections in Tamil Nadu had one ritualistic speculative media firestorm — Will Rajnikanth finally launch his political party. Films were launched in place. The political party never came. In place, Vijay arrived with his TVK. In two years, Vijay changed the grammar of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian politics.
Rajnikanth remained a bystander and a fence sitter. His fans wanted to see his symbol at the ballot boxes. But they were offered cinema releases. Now, Rajnikant is asked if he’s jealous. He told reported in Chennai: “I’m not jealous.”
Vijay arguably rode the Gen Z wave in Tamil Nadu to win big in his maiden elections. Rajnikanth seems a star who now stares at curtains finally brought down on his political aspirations — firmly.
On Sunday, the popular film star spoke to reporters in Chennai — to clarify on speculations raging on the internet. He ended up making a case of him rueing his missed opportunities.
Rajnikanth told reporters that his both “interactions (with Vijay and Stalin) were being misinterpreted in political circles and on social media.”
Rajinikanth said he felt compelled to respond after criticism and speculation intensified following the Tamil Nadu election results. “After the election results, many comments and criticisms about me started circulating on social media and in political circles. If I remained silent, it would appear as though those claims were true,” he said.
The actor clarified that his visit to Stalin was purely personal and rooted in a friendship spanning nearly four decades.
“My friendship with Stalin goes beyond politics. In a democracy, there are victories and defeats. Some comments made during that period disturbed me, and as a friend I went to meet him,” Rajinikanth explained.
He also rejected suggestions that the meeting carried political significance or involved backroom discussions between major parties.
Rajinikanth further addressed speculation surrounding his interaction with Vijay, whose growing political presence has generated intense discussion in Tamil Nadu.
The superstar said he had only intended to congratulate Vijay on his electoral success and denied rumours that he harboured jealousy toward the younger leader.
“There is no jealousy. There is only surprise mixed with happiness,” Rajinikanth said.
Drawing a comparison with legendary actor-politicians M. G. Ramachandran and N. T. Rama Rao, Rajinikanth remarked that Vijay’s achievement in confronting established political parties independently was remarkable. “He has achieved something extraordinary at a relatively young age by taking on major parties,” he said.
Rajinikanth also acknowledged the generational gap between himself and Vijay, noting that he had known the actor since Vijay was very young. “There is nearly a 24-year generation gap between us. I have seen Vijay since his younger days,” he added.
The actor reiterated that he had stepped away from politics and therefore had no reason to feel threatened by Vijay’s rise. “I am no longer in politics. So why would I feel jealous?” he asked.
Rajinikanth concluded by expressing hope that Vijay would work for the welfare of the people and extended his best wishes for the future. “I believe he will do good for the people. My wishes are with him,” he said.
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