News Tamil Nadu

Rajinikanth Says ‘Congrats’ When Asked About Vijayakanth’s First Death Anniversary, Realizes Question Later, Exposes Ignorance Once Again After Tiruvannamalai Landslide “Oh Is That So?” Moment

December 30, 2024
The Commune

Actor Rajinikanth has found himself embroiled in controversy after appearing to offer a casual “Congrats” when asked about the first death anniversary of his close friend and fellow actor, Vijayakanth. The insensitive remark, made during a brief interaction with the press at the airport, has drawn significant online criticism. This incident follows another recent instance where Rajinikanth’s response to a serious tragedy – the landslide in Thiruvannamalai – was deemed insensitive and dismissive.

When reporters inquired about the first anniversary of late actor Vijayakanth’s remembrance, Rajinikanth, seemingly misunderstanding the question, responded with a casual “Congrats,” as though they were celebrating the actor’s death. This comment has since drawn significant online criticism.

On 28 December 2024, thousands of fans and party workers from the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) gathered at the party’s headquarters in Chennai to mark the first death anniversary of actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, affectionately known as “Captain.” Vijayakanth, the founder of DMDK and a former Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu, passed away on 28 December 2023, due to health complications.

Given Rajinikanth’s close relationship with Vijayakanth, having often described him as his closest friend, reporters at Chennai airport questioned him about the anniversary. Rajinikanth, arriving from his movie shoot for Coolie, appeared to misunderstand the question and immediately responded with a casual “Congrats,” leaving the reporters taken aback. 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?” Moments later, He explained that his new film project was going well. His reaction has since sparked significant criticism online.

After facing criticism, actor Rajinikanth took to social media to clarify his response, posting later saying, “My tribute to my beloved captain on his first anniversary.”

This marks the second time that Rajinikanth has given an irresponsible reaction to a serious situation. Just recently, when the press questioned him about the landslide in Thiruvannamalai triggered by Cyclone Fengal, which claimed the lives of seven people, his response was similarly tone-deaf. 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.

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