Actor Kamal Haasan on Sunday called on DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi and friend, co-star and aspiring politician Rajinikanth at their residences ahead of the launch of his political party, scheduled for February 21.
Mr. Haasan first met Mr. Rajinikanth at the latter’s bungalow in Poes Garden on Sunday afternoon and remained closeted with him for around 15 minutes.
Speculation about the two actors joining hands was set to rest when Mr. Rajinikanth made it clear that their politics would be as different as their roles in films.
“Even in cinema, his (Kamal Haasan’s) style has been different, my style has been different. In politics too, his style will be different, my style will be different,” Mr. Rajinikanth said, adding, “But our aim is the same — to do good for the people of the State.”
‘Not for money’
The Tamil film superstar said he prayed to God that Mr. Haasan emerges successful in whatever work he undertook. “He is not coming to politics for fame, money or power, but to do good for the people,” he said. Mr. Haasan described it a courtesy meet. Later, Mr. Haasan also met Mr. Karunanidhi.
“It was just a meeting of friends. This is not related to politics. Even earlier, when I decided to enter politics, I had met him and informed him of the decision,” he said. “It is a custom in both our families that if there is some event in my house, we will invite Rajini’s family and vice versa. We have been friends for 40 years,” he said.
The actor said he had invited Mr. Rajinikanth to Madurai on February 21 where he will reveal his party’s name and unveil the party flag at a public meeting. “I have invited him. He will have to decide (on whether to come or not). Can’t force him,” Mr. Haasan said.
A few days ago, Mr. Haasan, speaking at Harvard University said he hoped that Mr. Rajinikanth’s politics would not be inclined towards ‘Saffron politics’. “I hope his hue is not saffron,” he had said. Both actors had made it clear that only time would tell if they would join hands electorally.
Later in the evening, Mr. Haasan headed to Gopalapuram to meet DMK president M. Karunanidhi, who has been largely confined to his home for the past over a year due to old age related health issues. The actor had sought an appointment in the evening from DMK working president, M.K. Stalin, to meet the patriarch.
Mr. Haasan arrived at Mr. Karunanidhi’s residence around 8.20 p.m. and spent about 20 minutes with him. “I came here to tell him that my (political) path is like this and this is where (political destination) I am headed to,” he told reporters.
Responding to a query on a possibility of a tie-up with the DMK, Mr. Haasan said everyone knew about the DMK’s ideology. “Once they (DMK) understand what my ideology is, they have to decide whether their ideology meets mine and I have to decide whether mine meets theirs. Only then can something be decided,” he said.
He added that fighting against new political entrants like him was not new for the DMK. “I have come for people’s service, not to shake up the field for anyone else. This is not new for them (DMK),” he said.
Mr. Stalin told reporters that he had already wished Mr. Haasan for his political entry. “Anyone can come to politics. But they should get the opportunity from the people to be in politics and work for them,” he said.
Last month, Mr. Rajinikanth had met Mr. Karunanidhi and sought his blessings for his political journey.
Invitation to Kamal
Meanwhile, Mr. Stalin said he had invited Mr. Haasan to an all-party meet on the Cauvery issue. “I had asked the ruling AIADMK to convene an all-party meet on the Cauvery issue, but there has been no response so far. We will wait till tomorrow and then, as the Leader of the Opposition, I will convene an all-party meet and invite the AIADMK and the BJP to take part in it,” he said.
“I have also invited Mr. Kamal Haasan now. He has assured he will definitely take part in it,” he said.
