Renowned actor Rajinikanth recently spoke out in defense of his daughter, Aishwarya Rajinikanth, following her remarks at the audio launch of her upcoming film, Lal Salaam. Aishwarya addressed the controversy surrounding her father being labeled as a ‘Sanghi’ by some on social media, emphasizing that the term did not apply to him in a negative sense.
The ‘Rajinikanth is not a Sanghi’ Controversy
Rajinikanth, while interacting with reporters outside Chennai airport, supported his daughter’s statements and clarified that she did not use the term ‘Sanghi’ disparagingly. This development has sparked discussions about Rajinikanth’s alleged alignment with the Hindutva ideology, particularly due to his interactions with political figures such as Yogi Adityanath and Narendra Modi.
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Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s comments at the Lal Salaam audio launch brought attention to the controversy surrounding the actor being labeled as a ‘Sanghi’ on social media. The term ‘Sanghi’ is often associated with those who support or align themselves with the Hindutva ideology propagated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Aishwarya, addressing the audience, explicitly stated, “Rajinikanth is not a Sanghi,” and questioned the basis for such categorization, given her father’s involvement in spirituality.
Rajinikanth’s Defence
In response to his daughter’s statements, Rajinikanth defended Aishwarya’s position outside Chennai airport, asserting that she did not intend to use the term ‘Sanghi’ in a derogatory manner. Speaking in Tamil, he emphasized that Aishwarya questioned why he was branded as such, especially considering his focus on spirituality. This defence indicates a clear distinction between political alignment and personal beliefs, hinting at Rajinikanth’s inclination towards spirituality rather than associating with a particular political ideology.
Social Media Backlash and Alleged Hindutva Affiliation
The controversy surrounding Rajinikanth being labelled as a ‘Sanghi’ gained momentum on social media platforms, where users expressed varying opinions about the actor’s perceived alignment with the Hindutva ideology. One of the incidents contributing to this narrative was Rajinikanth’s public interactions with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The actor not only touched the feet of Yogi Adityanath but also attended the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, leading to speculation about his political inclinations.
Furthermore, Rajinikanth’s close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi added fuel to the fire. The actor’s meetings with political figures associated with the BJP raised eyebrows among his fan base and the public, with some interpreting these interactions as indicative of his political leanings.
Understanding the Term ‘Sanghi’
During her address, Aishwarya Rajinikanth admitted that she initially did not understand the term ‘Sanghi’ and sought clarification from someone. According to her explanation, she learned that the term is used to refer to individuals who support a particular political party, with the implication being that Rajinikanth was being labelled as a supporter of a specific ideology. This lack of awareness about the term highlights the challenge of navigating social media discourse and the potential misinterpretation of political affiliations.
Rajinikanth’s Involvement in Lal Salaam
Amidst the controversy, it’s essential to shed light on Rajinikanth’s role in the upcoming film Lal Salaam, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth. The actor is set to appear in an extended cameo as Moideen Bhai, contributing to the film’s narrative against the backdrop of cricket. Lal Salaam stars Vishnu Vishal and Vikrant in lead roles and marks Aishwarya’s return to direction after a gap of seven years.
Aishwarya’s Last Directorial Project – Vai Raja Vai
Before Lal Salaam, Aishwarya Rajinikanth directed the Tamil action-thriller Vai Raja Vai. The film, released in 2015, showcased her directorial skills and marked a significant project in her career. Aishwarya’s return to direction with Lal Salaam has garnered attention, not just for its storyline but also due to the controversies surrounding her father’s alleged political affiliations.