A recent news card by Thanthi TV sparked controversy after it allegedly misquoted Latha Rajinikanth, portraying her as a supporter of Hindutva by claiming she said, “Everyone should be Hindu at heart.” In reality, her comments emphasized the importance of maintaining Indian cultural identity, not promoting a specific religion. The news channel later deleted the news card following public backlash and accusations of distorting her words.
Latha Rajinikanth’s actual remarks came in response to her husband Rajinikanth’s concern over the cultural disconnect among today’s youth. Speaking to the media, she clarified, “(Being Indian) It is not determined by the clothes, the way one speaks or the style of one’s life, but by being Indian in spirit. Wherever one goes, that Indianness should be in our spirit, in our life and in the security system around us.”
She continued, “Even people abroad hold onto their national identities. Similarly, we too must preserve the richness of Indianness. You can embrace the global community while being 100% Indian at heart.”
வதந்தி…
இந்துக்களாக இருக்கவேண்டும் …
இந்துத்துவா பண்பாட்டை காப்பாற்ற வேண்டும்…
உண்மை …
மனதளவில் இந்தியர்களாக இருக்கவேண்டும் …
இந்தியத்துவம் மனதிலும், வாழ்க்கையிலும் இருக்க வேண்டும்…
~ லதா ரஜினிகாந்த்
#LathaRajinikanth #Thalaivar 🤘 #Superstar… pic.twitter.com/6MpiNteeJP— Binary Post (@BinaryPost001) May 1, 2025
These comments were made at the launch event of Bharat Seva and Sankalpam, a cultural and service initiative by Daya Foundation, which Latha Rajinikanth founded. The project, in collaboration with Bhakti Seva Samayam Agribit, aims to foster unity through Sanatana Dharma. The event in Chennai was attended by actor Rajinikanth’s brother Satyanarayana Rao and Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath, among others.
Rajinikanth, in a video message for the inauguration, remarked that while Indian youth are increasingly influenced by Western trends, Westerners are turning to India for peace through practices like yoga and meditation. He expressed support for Latha’s efforts to reconnect the younger generation with India’s cultural heritage and values.
The misrepresentation by Thanthi TV and the subsequent retraction have reignited discussions about media responsibility and the politicization of personal views, especially those involving public figures.
(With inputs from One India Tamil)
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