News Tamil Nadu

“Don’t Ask Me Political Questions”, Says Rajinikanth To Reporter When Asked About Women’s Safety In TN Amidst Anna University Sexual Assault Case

January 7, 2025
The Commune

Actor Rajinikanth dismissed a question on women’s safety as “political” in the wake of the Anna University sexual assault case during a press interaction at Chennai airport, drawing criticism for his tone-deaf response. The actor, who is currently working on the much-anticipated film Coolie, departed from Chennai to Bangkok last night for the next phase of the shoot and met with reporters at the Chennai airport before departing for his destination. Rajinikanth’s tryst with reporters continues, and once again, he has made a very insensitive comment about issues plaguing society.

At the Chennai airport, his fans greeted Rajinikanth with cheers of “Thalaiva”. The actor, however, asked them to remain calm. He briefly interacted with the press, confirming the progress of Coolie. When asked about updates regarding the film he was currently shooting, Rajinikanth cheerfully responded. However, when a journalist attempted to ask a question about women’s safety in Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth’s facial expression changed instantly. He curtly interrupted, reminding them that he had repeatedly requested not to ask “political questions“.

It is noteworthy to mention that Rajiinikanth had commented on various issues under the AIADMK regime – the notable being the Sathankulam custodial death of Bennix and Jayaraj when Rajinikanth released an angry picture of himself with the caption “Truly, we should not let them (culprits) escape”.

One wonders how a question about the law and order/safety of women in the state where he resides becomes political, especially when the Anna University sexual assault case has been making headlines for more than a week now.

Netizens, mostly fans, who were eagerly awaiting his entry into politics, lashed out at him for making such a statement. Here are some netizen reactions:

In the past few weeks, Rajinikanth has been criticised for his insensitive and ignorant comments to airport reporters.

Actor Rajinikanth faced backlash after a controversial response during a press interaction at Chennai airport. When asked about the first death anniversary of his close friend and fellow actor Vijayakanth, Rajinikanth appeared to misunderstand the question and casually said “Congrats.” When they clarified that Vijayakanth had passed away a year ago and they were remembering him on his first anniversary, Rajinikanth responded, “Oh, is that so?” and shifted the conversation to his ongoing film project.

The incident occurred as Vijayakanth’s fans and supporters marked his first death anniversary on 28 December 2024. Rajinikanth’s comment, seen as insensitive given his close relationship with Vijayakanth, drew significant online criticism.

Following the floods that devastated Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts, actor Rajinikanth sparked controversy with his response to a question about a landslide in Tiruvannamalai triggered by Cyclone Fengal, which claimed the lives of seven people. His remarks were criticized as tone-deaf and insensitive, given the severity of the tragedy.

Upon being informed about the tragedy at the airport, Rajinikanth appeared momentarily shocked, asking, “When?” before offering a brief and seemingly indifferent, “Oh my god, I am extremely sorry.” Moments later, he shifted the conversation to discussing his films with a smile.

(With inputs from ETV Bharat)

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