Chennai: Tamil Nadu has seen several of its leading heroes and heroines take the plunge into politics. Parties across the political spectrum have been trying to woo superstar Rajinikanth for several years. But Rajinikanth has kept everyone, especially his fans guessing on whether he will take the plunge into politics.
Political circles were abuzz after Rajinikanth at the audio release of his film Lingaa in November had said, "Politics is dangerous and deep. I am not afraid of politics, but hesitant. In politics, you need strong roots. If God desires that I should come into politics, I will serve the people."
While Rajini may leave his political future in the hands of God, the timing of his words are significant as that the BJP has been trying to woo the actor. As the actor celebrates his 64th birthday, the party's state leader says it's time Rajini's took up a larger role.
"I feel Rajini should extend his activities apart from the film field. It could be political or social. That should be a platform so that Rajini should serve the people of Tamil Nadu as well as the nation," BJP Tamil Nadu President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said.
But BJP's efforts are not anything new. Political parties in Tamil Nadu have been trying to rope in the star since the 1996 assembly elections. His famous one-liner "Even God can't save Tamil Nadu if AIADMK returns to power," helped swing the votes in favour of the DMK-TMC combine.
While the actor has gone public with his political preference in the past, analysts say Rajini's latest statement has more to do with his upcoming film than politics.
"He will not join politics. He always makes use of these statements to promote his film. That has been his trend right from 1996. Just before the release of the film, he starts making a statement, create some sensation around the film and make people watch the film," political analyst Gnani Sankaran said.
But in Tamil Nadu, which has a history of electing their film heros and heroines to the highest post, fans are still hoping that God will guide their superstar onto the political stage one day.
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