In a sharp exchange of words, Tamil Nadu Water Resource Minister Durai Murugan mocked Rajinikanth as he accused veteran actors of clinging to roles and stifling young talent. His comments came after Rajinikanth’s remark about Chief Minister M.K. Stalin managing senior DMK leaders like the former.
On 25 August 2024, senior DMK leader Durai Murugan poked fun at actor Rajinikanth for calling him an unmanageable student at DMK. The DMK leader denounced Rajinikanth, saying some veteran actors persist in their careers even after their prime. This remark followed Rajinikanth’s comment about Durai Murugan at the launch of a book about former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on 23 August 2024.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is already facing internal tensions over Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin elevating his son, Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, as the party’s next face. A few ministers and MPs have been aligning with Udhayanidhi, pushing for his promotion to Deputy Chief Minister whenever possible and assuring him of their support.
In this context, film actor Rajinikanth has stirred the pot by praising Udhayanidhi and warning Stalin to be watchful of people within the party. This occurred at the launch of a book by DMK Minister E.V. Velu, titled “Kalignar Enum Thaai” (Kalaignar, The Mother), about the late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi.
Rajinikanth jibe at Durai Murugan
Speaking at the event Rajinikanth said, “One astonishing thing is… whenever a schoolteacher comes, the new students won’t be of any problem. They can be easily managed. It is no ordinary feat to manage the old students. There are so many old students (senior leaders) here. So many of them. And they’re no ordinary old students. They’re extraordinary. They are not failed students. They’re rank holders who refuse to leave the class. Those who Kalaignar has raised since young, do you think managing them is easy? No one else, take Durai Murugan. He’s a man who had hoodwinked Kalaignar himself. When you say something to him, he’ll reply – ‘Is it? Good! We don’t know if he meant good in a good way or a bad way. Stalin, sir, hats off to you!” with this comment, the audience burst into laughter.
MK Stalin responded, “I have taken note of everything he mentioned. Rest assured, I am committed to ensuring success and will always remain vigilant.”
It should be noted that the DMK scion and minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also commended the actor for delivering a speech that received significant applause. He remarked, “The youth are eager to support us; we just need to provide them with opportunities and guidance. Superstar Rajinikanth’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause, as you all must have witnessed.”
Durai Murugan Reacts
Reacting to comments of Rajinikanth, senior DMK leader Durai Murugan took a jab at Rajinikanth, remarking that young actors struggle to find opportunities due to older actors clinging to their roles. When a reporter asked how he saw Rajinikanth’s comment about Stalin struggling with senior Ministers, Durai Murugan said, “Likewise, young artists are not getting any chances because old actors are still clinging to their roles, even after losing all their teeth, growing beards and are about to die. It’s easy to say anything man!”
ரஜினியின் கருத்து!!
துரைமுருகன் Vs உதயநிதி #DMK | #Rajinikanth𓃵 | #DuraiMurugan | #UdhayanidhiStalin pic.twitter.com/ZNeH4darxL
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) August 26, 2024
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