Rajinikanth’s picks tryst with spiritual politics in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth, who rode to stardom with his unique acting style and cast a spell on people cutting across barriers, has come a long way from his humble beginnings to his much-delayed political plunge.
Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, rechristened Rajinikanth on screen, is set to unveil his brand new theme of spiritual politics as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious seniors in the industry – such as M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, who rose to rule the state after successful film careers.
The 67-year old actor, who had kept everyone in suspense on his political entry for the past over two decades, has chosen to make the much-awaited announcement today, saying he would form a party ahead of the next assembly elections.
His political plunge comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is passing through a state of flux with the death of Jayalalithaa last year and wheelchair-bound nonagenarian DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s virtual retirement owing to age-related issues.
Born on December 12, 1950, to Ramabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad in Karnataka, Rajinikanth tried his hand at several odd jobs before becoming a bus conductor.
To chase his dream, acting, he had to quit as a conductor on then Bangalore Transport Service’s “10 A” bus route.
