Published May 17, 2026 | 12:50 PM ⚊ Updated May 17, 2026 | 12:50 PM
Rajinikanth. (X)
Synopsis: Actor Rajinikanth dismissed speculation that he was jealous of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay after the latter’s electoral victory. The actor said there was a 20-year generation gap between him and Vijay and warned against comparing the two. Rajinikanth also addressed criticism over his recent meeting with DMK president MK Stalin after the election results.
Actor Rajinikanth on Sunday, 17 May, dismissed speculation that he was jealous of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay after the latter’s electoral victory, saying he had “no reason” to feel that way and extending his wishes to the new government.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Chennai’s Poes Garden, Rajinikanth said criticism against him had been circulating widely on social media and in political circles, and he wanted to clarify his position.
“When I was at Chennai airport, leaving for Bengaluru, a person approached me saying Vijay had become the chief minister. I was shocked for a moment, smiled and left. Immediately, criticism began that Rajinikanth had not congratulated Vijay and that I was jealous of him,” he said.
“I am no longer in politics. I have moved away from it. Why should I be jealous of him? If Kamal Haasan had become Chief Minister, would I have felt jealous? Even then, I don’t think I would have. What is not destined for someone will never come to them,” he remarked.
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Rajinikanth also addressed criticism over his recent meeting with DMK president MK Stalin after the election results.
“I felt saddened that Stalin lost in Kolathur. I met him as a friend, that’s all,” he said, denying reports that he had attempted to mediate talks between the DMK and AIADMK to stop Vijay’s rise.
“People are saying Rajinikanth tried to bring the two parties together. Rajinikanth is not a cheap person to do such things,” he said.
The actor said there was a 20-year generation gap between him and Vijay and warned against comparing the two.
“I have watched Vijay since he was young. Why would I be jealous if he became the chief minister? At 52, Vijay has defeated bigger parties single-handedly, even more remarkably than MGR or NTR did,” he said.
Rajinikanth added that Vijay’s film popularity, support from women, children and social media had played a major role in the victory.
“There are huge expectations on Vijay now. People should leave him alone for two years and give him time. Fans and party workers must also be careful because their mistakes will affect him,” he said.
Asked whether he regretted not entering politics, Rajinikanth reiterated that he had already issued a detailed explanation in the past. “Politics is a huge responsibility. Acting in cinema and politics are completely different,” he said.
On whether he believed he could have won had he entered politics in 2001, Rajinikanth replied: “If I had entered politics, I would have won 100 percent. There is no doubt about it.”
He declined to comment on the BJP winning a single seat in Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
