Rajinikanth's words in presence of Veerappan angered Jayalalithaa; superstar opens up about reason behind his fallout with former Tamil Nadu CM

CHENNAI: Superstar Rajinikanth has opened up about the reason behind his fallout with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. He made these revelations in a documentary released on the first death anniversary of former minister and film producer R.M. Veerappan (RMV).

The conflict traces back to 1995, during the 100th-day celebration of the blockbuster film Baashha, produced by then-minister R.M. Veerappan and starring Rajinikanth. During his speech at the event, Rajinikanth made a comment that angered Jayalalithaa. Referring to the prevailing law and order situation, Rajini remarked that a "bomb culture" was taking root in Tamil Nadu. His statement came in the context of a bomb attack targeting director Mani Ratnam’s house.

Although Veerappan was present on stage during the event, he did not oppose Rajini’s statement at the time. Subsequently, Jayalalithaa removed Veerappan from her cabinet. Rajinikanth has now revealed that he was unaware then that he should not have made such a speech in the presence of a minister. He said he lost sleep for several days over the incident and still carries the pain. He had considered speaking to Jayalalithaa to clear the air, but Veerappan stopped him from doing so.

"I couldn't sleep that night, nor could I contact RMV. The next morning, I called him and apologized. But he brushed it off, told me to forget about it, and instead asked about my next film's shooting schedule," Rajinikanth said. "He behaved as if nothing had happened. That incident left a scar that never healed."

"I asked him if I could explain the situation to the Chief Minister. But he told me she wouldn’t change her decision. He said, ‘Don’t ruin your name. And if you speak a word to her, I won’t return to the cabinet.’ That’s why I say he was a great human being and a true kingmaker," Rajinikanth added.

“It’s a wound that never got healed. I was the last to speak on stage that day, and RMV didn’t get a chance to respond afterward,” Rajinikanth said. He also added that there were many reasons behind his decision to oppose Jayalalithaa politically.