Superstar Rajinikanth has opened up about a deeply emotional and defining episode from his past—an incident that not only left a lasting wound on his heart but also played a pivotal role in shaping his political ideology and his later opposition to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. His revelations came through a recently released video tribute to former cabinet minister and veteran film producer RM Veerappan (popularly known as RMV), who passed away last year at the age of 97. The incident dates back to 1995 during the grand 100th-day celebration of Rajinikanth’s cult-classic film Baashha, a milestone event that turned unexpectedly controversial.
During his speech at the event, Rajinikanth made a spontaneous and emotionally charged reference to the growing “bomb culture” in Tamil Nadu—a phrase that, while meant as a general social observation, was widely interpreted as a direct criticism of the AIADMK government led by Jayalalithaa at the time. Seated on stage alongside him as a film producer and guest was RMV, who was also a serving cabinet minister in her government. Rajinikanth admitted in the video that he did not fully understand the political ramifications of his comments at that time.
“I am very happy to speak about him (RMV)... He was on the stage as the producer at Baashha's 100 Days event. I shouldn’t have spoken about bomb culture with a minister by my side. I didn't have clarity back then,” Rajinikanth said, his voice heavy with remorse and respect. He then revealed that Jayalalithaa, upset over what she saw as public criticism of her governance, removed RMV from his ministerial post, holding him accountable for not immediately defending the government or stopping Rajinikanth’s remarks.
What followed haunted Rajinikanth deeply. “I could not sleep that night,” he recalled, revealing how tormented he felt by the consequences of his unfiltered speech. Despite repeated attempts, he couldn’t reach RMV that night. The next morning, filled with guilt and anxiety, Rajinikanth finally managed to speak to him and offer an apology. RMV, however, responded with astonishing composure and grace. “He acted as if nothing had happened,” Rajinikanth remembered emotionally. Instead of expressing anger or disappointment, RMV casually changed the subject and asked about the movie’s shooting schedule, dismissing the political blow he had just suffered.
Rajinikanth then offered to meet with Jayalalithaa to clarify the situation and urge her to reconsider her decision. But RMV refused. He reportedly told the actor, “She won’t change her decision. So, don’t spoil your name. Also, I don’t need to join back after you speak to her.” That moment, Rajinikanth said, revealed the depth of RMV’s dignity, humility, and statesmanship. “That’s why he was a great human being and a real kingmaker,” the superstar said with admiration.
Rajinikanth admitted that this incident left a deep scar that has never truly healed. “I was the last person to speak on stage that day, and he couldn’t have reacted or responded after me,” he said, emphasizing how the chain of events gave RMV no chance to defend himself publicly.
Looking back, Rajinikanth acknowledged that several experiences and decisions over the years influenced his eventual political alignment and his critical stance toward Jayalalithaa’s administration, but he admitted this specific episode was one of the most significant turning points. It was not just about politics—it was a personal reckoning, a moment of self-awareness, and a painful lesson in how even unintentional words can have far-reaching consequences.
By publicly sharing this story decades later, Rajinikanth has offered fans and political observers a rare, candid glimpse into his inner world. It reveals a side of the actor often hidden from the spotlight—a man deeply aware of his influence, sensitive to the burdens of power, and still grappling with the moral weight of a past decision. In honoring RM Veerappan’s memory, Rajinikanth has not only paid tribute to a mentor and friend but has also come to terms with a moment that helped shape his journey—both as a public figure and as a political thinker.
