At DMK event, a Rajinikanth jibe about ‘old students’ – and a riposte

Rajinikanth’s remarks came at the book release of Kalaignar Ennum Thaai by state PWD minister E V Velu. The actor said: “For a school teacher, handling new students is easy. But the challenge lies in dealing with old students – extraordinary students who refuse to leave. Hats off to you, Stalin sir.” The remark drew laughter and huge applause.

Duraimurugan (86), a political heavyweight from the Karunanidhi era who is known for his quick wit, was later asked about Rajinikanth’s comment. “Exactly the same way, actors who have grown old, with teeth falling and sporting beards in their twilight years, are continuing to act and are denying opportunities to young actors. How easy it is to say such a thing.”

At the event Saturday, with the CM present, he chose his words carefully. In another comment that triggered an eruption of laughter, Rajinikanth said: “If Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke in praise of Kalaignar Karunanidhi for 30 minutes (at an event last week), the instruction must have come from the top.”

However, both moved swiftly to extinguish any potential controversy. Rajinikanth said at Chennai airport, “Duraimurugan is my long-time friend. Whatever he says, our friendship will continue.” Duraimurugan said: “We were joking, we weren’t serious.”