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Rajini clarifies on his comments

Staff Reporter

— Photo: M. Karunakaran

SHARING A MOMENT: Actor Rajinikanth and director K. Balachander at a press meet in connection with honouring of technicians involved in ‘Kuselan,’ on Saturday.

CHENNAI: “When I said we have to kick (udaikkanum) those in Karnataka opposing supply of water to Tamil Nadu, I was referring to those who indulged in violence and not everyone in general. Yes, I should have been more specific,” said actor Rajinikanth here on Saturday.

He was referring to the comments he made during the Tamil actors’ fast in connection with the Hogenakkal water issue.

The actor said he did not wish to add to the controversy. “I have been quoted as saying that ‘I have learnt my lesson.’ Well, life is all about learning,” he said. He was addressing a press conference held in connection with the honouring of technicians who worked in ‘Kuselan.’

Speaking on the occasion earlier, veteran director K. Balachander urged members of the film industry to cooperate and stand united. “As a senior technician and as someone who has been in the industry for 40 years, I wish to say that what has happened has, and whatever happens hence will be for our good.” At a time when Tamil technicians were making a mark in Bollywood and when Tamil cinema was receiving attention from all over the world, there should be no split in the film fraternity, he said. “This is an issue pertaining not just to ‘Kuselan,’ but to all Tamil films. I say this as someone observing the industry from a distance.” Quoting media reports which said that the actor had “apologised” and thereby betrayed the people of Tamil Nadu, the director said: “Rajini only said that if his words had hurt anyone he regrets having said that (varundugiren). He has nowhere used the word “mannippu” (apology). Please don’t read between the lines.” Director P. Vasu said that he had a look at the letter Mr. Rajinikanth wrote to the Karnataka Film Chamber. “He had not apologised. He had only said that he was concerned that his words had possibly hurt the people of Karnataka.”

Mr. Rajinikanth said: “We wanted to honour the technicians involved in the film and the director and producers readily agreed. I hope this trend continues.”

“I will follow this practice of sharing a portion of profits made on a film with technicians in my upcoming films, too. Soundarya has agreed. I will be speaking to director Shankar, too,” he added.

Mr. Vasu said that when it was decided that Seven Arts, Kavithalaya and Vyjayanthi Movies would be involved in the production of the film, the team wondered how the profits could be shared.

“When we decided that each would get 33 per cent, Rajini sir instantly said the remaining one per cent should to go to the technicians,” Mr. Vasu said.

And this suggestion won instant support from the director as well from as the producers, who also agreed to share a part of their salaries with the technicians and office staff. On Saturday, nearly Rs. 40 lakh was distributed to 70 technicians and staff who were part of the production of ‘Kuselan.’

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