Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wished actor Rajinikanth a happy birthday. But, it was no ordinary wish.
In the context of the BJP being accused of trying to impose Hindi on the rest of the country, Mr. Modi chose to deliver the message in chaste Tamil through Twitter.
“ Indru pirantha naal kaanum perundhagai Rajinikanth avargal neenda nedunkaalam sirantha nalaththudan vaazha vaazhthukiren (On his birthday, I extend greetings to the legendary Rajinikanthji. May he remain in the best of health and have a long life),” the tweet read.
On his birthday, I extend greetings to the legendary Rajinikanth ji.May he remain in the best of health & have a long life. >@superstarrajini
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >December 12, 2014
Almost immediately, the wishes sparked a deluge of re-tweets and were shared across social media. Some pointed to the recent political overtures from the BJP to Mr. Rajinikanth and wondered if this was Mr. Modi’s way of keeping the speculation alive.
Others said it was mere birthday wish from Mr. Modi to a person he had always expressed great respect for. A few others were quick to point out that even with repeated attempts, the actor will not join the party. While the BJP had overtly tried to woo Mr. Rajinikanth after the Lok Sabha elections, the efforts were toned down as the actor sent a letter to AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa after she returned to Poes Garden from the Bengaluru prison in October.
இன்று பிறந்த நாள் காணும் பெருந்தகை ரஜினி காந்த் அவர்கள் நீண்ட. நெடுங்காலம் சிறந்த நலத்துடன் வாழ வாழ்த்துகிறேன்... >@superstarrajini
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >December 12, 2014The actor also used multiple platforms, including the audio launch of his latest movie, Lingaa , to suggest that he may not be willing to take the political plunge.
A senior BJP leader said the party had made its intentions clear to Mr. Rajinikanth. It was now for him to decide. “Even if he does not join the party, the image of him being a friend of the BJP will only help us. Mr. Modi’s tweet has reiterated this friendship,” the leader said.
