Rajnikanth (File photo) NEW DELHI: Movie star Rajnikanth on Tuseday expressed “gratitude to everyone” who condemned a TVK leader’s “slanderous remarks” claiming that the actor didn’t join politics as the ruling DMK family “threatened” him when he tried to enter politics.Thanking the film fraternity, his friends and fans, the actor said: “Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer”. “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who condemned his slanderous remarks and raised their voices in support of me: the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Edappadi Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran; Union Minister L. Murugan; Tamil Nadu Minister Raghupathy; Thol. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war falloutRising Gulf-Iran Tensions: elites press US to hit Iran harder; fear threat to HormuzAudio Details Iran Strike Aftermath: Mojtaba survives ‘Blue Sparrow’ hit; family and commanders killedThirumavalavan; S.P. Velumani; my friend Annamalai; Arjunamurthy; Anbumani Ramadoss; G.K. Vasan. John Pandian; Pugazhendhi; and various other political leaders from different parties,” Rajnikanth posted on X. He further said: “I also extend my sincere thanks to Ameer, G. Dhananjayan, and my friends from the film fraternity; to Nakkeeran Gopal, Rangaraj Pandey (Chanakyaa), and members of the media; and, above all, to my fans—whom I revere as deities—for sustaining and uplifting me. Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer.”What was the remark?TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna had alleged that the DMK family threatened actor Rajinikanth when he tried to enter politics. Arjuna said he was not criticising Rajinikanth but added that Vijay had the courage to withstand such pressure.TVK organised protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Thursday, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. A protest was held in Chennai, in which TVK functionaries N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Arun Raj participated.Speaking at the protest, Arjuna said after MGR, Rajinikanth was one of the most popular actors who intended to enter politics. He said Rajinikanth wanted to enter Tamil Nadu politics and change the system. “However, the DMK family issued several threats to Rajinikanth and prevented him from entering politics. See what happened now… At the end, he went on to act in a film produced by Red Giant,” he said.Arjuna added that there was no criticism of Rajinikanth personally. However, he said Vijay had the mental strength to enter politics despite such threats. “Even when personal criticism was directed at Vijay, he did not remain silent at home in fear.”Remark draws criticism from all quartersArjuna’s remarks drew criticism from several quarters, particularly from Rajinikanth’s fans. “Rajinikanth is not someone who fears threats — everyone knows that. At a time when the coronavirus was spreading severely, he stepped away from politics considering the infection risk that gatherings could pose to the public and to avoid loss of lives due to the virus,” said S Ravi, one of his fan club members in Sholingur. “Not everyone who gathers crowds can become a leader,” he added.AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palansiwami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday condemned remarks by TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna that actor Rajinikanth dropped his plans to launch political party due to threat from DMK. BJP has demanded an apology from Aadhav Arjuna.”Superstar Rajinikanth commands immense respect across spectrum for his abilities and talent.A TVK party functionary’s attack on such a personality is unacceptable,” EPS said in an X post. “Entering politics is one’s right, as is staying out.He (Rajinikanth) cited valid reasons for staying out. Respect that choice; politicising it is political incivility,” EPS said. EPS added that the actor earned MGR’s love and J Jayalalithaa’s respect. The statement comes four days after Aadhav made the remark that unlike Rajinikanth, Vijay withstood pressure and launched a party.In a post on X, Nagenthran said Rajinikanth, who completed more than five decades in cinema, is respected across political and social spheres and enjoys the affection of people cutting across caste, religion and language. “It is unacceptable for Mr Aadhav Arjuna to speak wrongly about such a dignified personality in public,” he said.Nagenthran recollected that Rajinikanth had received honours including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He said the actor also enjoyed respect of national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Nagenthran urged TVK president Vijay to intervene. “The leader of that party should condemn such remarks and advise him not to engage in such actions,” he said. Last week, Aadhav Arjuna alleged that actor Rajinikanth faced pressure from DMK when he attempted to enter politics and suggested that such intimidation discouraged him from pursuing a political career.He said unlike Rajinikanth, TVK president Vijay showed the resolve to withstand such pressure. The remarks drew reactions from political leaders and sections of Rajinikanth’s supporters. His fan clubs in Madurai announced that they will contest against Aadhav in the 2026 polls to defeat him and show Rajini’s strength.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Condemns Pakistan Strikes In Afghanistan, Calls It Act Of Aggression And Warns EscalationNanda Devi Returns Home After Shivalik, Crew Thanks Indian Navy For Safe Transit Through HormuzIndia Dismisses Iran ‘Tanker Swap’ Deal Reports As Baseless, Ensures Safe Ship Movement Amid Crisis‘Biased Characterization Of India’: MEA Slams USCIRF Report Seeking Sanctions On RSS, R&AWJoint Tax Filing To Zero Penalties: AAP MP Raghav Chadha Pushes Big Relief For Common IndiansIndia Vs Pakistan Showdown At UN: Delhi Calls Out ‘Imaginary Islamophobia’ Claims, Afghan StrikesNDA Storm In Rajya Sabha Polls Bihar Clean Sweep Odisha Wins Haryana On HoldIndia Holds Off On US Trade Deal Signing As Washington Resets Global Tariff ArchitectureInternet Calls Bibi’s Cafe Video ‘Deepfake’, Israel Says PM Alive; ‘Free Palestine’ Echoes At OscarsIran Seeks Return Of 3 Tankers Seized By India In Return For Hormuz Safe Passage: Report123Photostories7 discontinued cars enthusiasts still miss todayBeyond Mumbai: Top 5 fast-growing cities in Maharashtra for real estate in 2026Vijay Deverakonda in pink, Rashmika Mandanna in green: Throwback Haldi look of ‘Virosh’ is breaking the internetChef Sanjeev Kapoor’s 7-step guide on how to soft-boil and hard-boil eggs: 5 easy recipes for lunch and dinnerHigh blood pressure isn’t just a heart problem, it’s a kidney alarm6 intelligent animals and birds on Earth after humans and where to spot themLakshmi Vilas Palace: 8 stunning facts about the world’s largest private homeMore than diabetes, more than the neck: Where Acanthosis Nigricans can hide10 home names inspired by flowers from around the worldBaby names for girls born during Navratri123Hot PicksDoha travel alertLadakh statehood ralliesRasgulla choking deathGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingMagic JohnsonIndia LPG TankerGreen Card HoldersTaylor SwiftTeam VenezuelaGreen Card HoldersAssembly election dateWWE Raw NewsCarlos Correa WifeEid ul fitr 2026
NEW DELHI: Movie star Rajnikanth on Tuseday expressed “gratitude to everyone” who condemned a TVK leader’s “slanderous remarks” claiming that the actor didn’t join politics as the ruling DMK family “threatened” him when he tried to enter politics.Thanking the film fraternity, his friends and fans, the actor said: “Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer”. “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who condemned his slanderous remarks and raised their voices in support of me: the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Edappadi Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran; Union Minister L. Murugan; Tamil Nadu Minister Raghupathy; Thol. Thirumavalavan; S.P. Velumani; my friend Annamalai; Arjunamurthy; Anbumani Ramadoss; G.K. Vasan. John Pandian; Pugazhendhi; and various other political leaders from different parties,” Rajnikanth posted on X. He further said: “I also extend my sincere thanks to Ameer, G. Dhananjayan, and my friends from the film fraternity; to Nakkeeran Gopal, Rangaraj Pandey (Chanakyaa), and members of the media; and, above all, to my fans—whom I revere as deities—for sustaining and uplifting me. Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer.”
What was the remark?
TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna had alleged that the DMK family threatened actor Rajinikanth when he tried to enter politics. Arjuna said he was not criticising Rajinikanth but added that Vijay had the courage to withstand such pressure.TVK organised protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Thursday, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. A protest was held in Chennai, in which TVK functionaries N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Arun Raj participated.Speaking at the protest, Arjuna said after MGR, Rajinikanth was one of the most popular actors who intended to enter politics. He said Rajinikanth wanted to enter Tamil Nadu politics and change the system. “However, the DMK family issued several threats to Rajinikanth and prevented him from entering politics. See what happened now… At the end, he went on to act in a film produced by Red Giant,” he said.Arjuna added that there was no criticism of Rajinikanth personally. However, he said Vijay had the mental strength to enter politics despite such threats. “Even when personal criticism was directed at Vijay, he did not remain silent at home in fear.”
Remark draws criticism from all quarters
Arjuna’s remarks drew criticism from several quarters, particularly from Rajinikanth’s fans. “Rajinikanth is not someone who fears threats — everyone knows that. At a time when the coronavirus was spreading severely, he stepped away from politics considering the infection risk that gatherings could pose to the public and to avoid loss of lives due to the virus,” said S Ravi, one of his fan club members in Sholingur. “Not everyone who gathers crowds can become a leader,” he added.AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palansiwami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday condemned remarks by TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna that actor Rajinikanth dropped his plans to launch political party due to threat from DMK. BJP has demanded an apology from Aadhav Arjuna.“Superstar Rajinikanth commands immense respect across spectrum for his abilities and talent.A TVK party functionary’s attack on such a personality is unacceptable,” EPS said in an X post. “Entering politics is one’s right, as is staying out.He (Rajinikanth) cited valid reasons for staying out. Respect that choice; politicising it is political incivility,” EPS said. EPS added that the actor earned MGR’s love and J Jayalalithaa’s respect. The statement comes four days after Aadhav made the remark that unlike Rajinikanth, Vijay withstood pressure and launched a party.In a post on X, Nagenthran said Rajinikanth, who completed more than five decades in cinema, is respected across political and social spheres and enjoys the affection of people cutting across caste, religion and language. “It is unacceptable for Mr Aadhav Arjuna to speak wrongly about such a dignified personality in public,” he said.Nagenthran recollected that Rajinikanth had received honours including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He said the actor also enjoyed respect of national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Nagenthran urged TVK president Vijay to intervene. “The leader of that party should condemn such remarks and advise him not to engage in such actions,” he said. Last week, Aadhav Arjuna alleged that actor Rajinikanth faced pressure from DMK when he attempted to enter politics and suggested that such intimidation discouraged him from pursuing a political career.He said unlike Rajinikanth, TVK president Vijay showed the resolve to withstand such pressure. The remarks drew reactions from political leaders and sections of Rajinikanth’s supporters. His fan clubs in Madurai announced that they will contest against Aadhav in the 2026 polls to defeat him and show Rajini’s strength.
