Rajinikanth rejects rumoured rivalry with Vijay, recalls encounter with 13-year-old Thalapathy: ‘He grew up in front of my eyes’

Rajinikanth took a trip down memory lane and recalled the advice that he gave to a 13-year-old Vijay, who wanted to become an actor.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | Updated: January 29, 2024 10:03 AM IST

3 min read

Rajinikanth was all praise for Vijay.

Fans of Rajinikanth (Thalaivar) and ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay have been at loggerheads after Rajinikanth’s speech at his film Jailer’s audio launch event in July last year. Rajinikanth had shared a story about crows trying to bring down other birds, but never attaining the heights of the eagles that soar above them. Some thought Rajinikanth was talking about Vijay, causing tension between the two fan groups. Now, the ‘Superstar’ has cleared the air, expressing disappointment at the controversy.

At the audio launch of his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s movie Lal Salaam in Chennai, Rajinikanth said, “The story of a crow and eagle was interpreted differently. On social media, many spread rumours saying it was against Vijay. It’s so disappointing. Vijay grew up in front of my eyes.” Rajinikanth recalled shooting one of his older films at Vijay’s house. He continued, “During the shooting of Dharmathin Thalaivan, he was just 13 years old, and looked at me from upstairs. After the shooting, SA Chandrasekar introduced Vijay to me and said that he was interested in acting. He asked me to tell Vijay to concentrate on his studies first. I advised him to complete his schooling.”

At Jailer audio launch, Rajinikanth had said, “In the world of birds, a crow disturbs everyone. An eagle, however, remains undisturbed. When a crow bothers an eagle, the eagle doesn’t react; it simply moves on to the next stage.”

Also read | Rajinikanth fan mocks Vijay starrer The Greatest Of All Time first look poster, Venkat Prabhu asks him to spread love

Rajinikanth said that Vijay is at the top of his game because of his discipline, talent and hard work. He added that Vijay is venturing into politics next, and said that there is no competition between them. He concluded, “Vijay had said that he is his competition and I have also stated the same. It’s disrespectful to say that we are each other’s competition. I’d request our fans not to compare.”

Rajinikanth will next be seen in Lal Salaam which will release on February 9. He also has Vettaiyan and Thalaivar 171 lined up. In 2023, both Rajinikanth and Vijay delivered major box office hits, Jailer and Leo.

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