Tamil Nadu Congress Vice President Pon. Krishnamoorthy has strongly criticised actor Rajinikanth and music composer Ilaiyaraja over remarks made during a government felicitation ceremony honouring Ilaiyaraja’s 50-year musical journey.
The event, presided over by Chief Minister MK Stalin, was organised by the state government to celebrate the veteran composer. During the function, Rajinikanth recalled a past incident from the filming of Johnny, claiming Ilaiyaraja once drank half a bottle of beer and danced until 3 AM, while also inquiring about gossip concerning film actresses.
Krishnamoorthy condemned the comments, stating that the duo had lowered the dignity of the occasion and themselves. He argued that Rajinikanth’s anecdote amounted to “promoting alcohol” at a state-sponsored programme, and accused the Chief Minister of holding the event as a self-promotional exercise.
“Instead of speaking proudly, Ilaiyaraja asked Rajini to narrate such stories, which only humiliated him further. Rajini grabbed the mic and destroyed the respect Ilaiyaraja had earned,” Krishnamoorthy alleged.
He further said that such remarks, made before a packed audience at a government event, sent the wrong message about the cinema industry and showed a lack of stage decorum.
What Did Rajinikanth Say?
At the event, Ilaiyaraaja teased Rajinikanth saying, “Rajini called me beforehand and said that he was going to tell me at the ceremony that the three of us, director Mahendran, Rajini, and I had been drinking together during those days. Then I said, ‘Say whatever you want,’” he laughed.
At this point, Rajinikanth intervened and said, “During the shooting of ‘Johnny,’ Mahendran and I were drinking. We also included Ilaiyaraaja at that time. The performance he gave after drinking half a bottle will never be forgotten. He danced until 3 am. Then when Mahendran asked about the film’s music, he said, ‘Just sit still’ and shared gossip about the heroines.”
Later, responding to Rajinikanth’s anecdote, Ilaiyaraaja quipped,
“Rajinikanth added extra flavour to use the time.”
The Congress leader’s criticism comes a day after Chief Minister Stalin used the same ceremony to renew his appeal to the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Ilaiyaraja. It is also noteworthy that Rajinikanth praised CM Stalin at this event.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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