Chennai: Refuting reports which claimed that he would announce the name of his political party on his birthday (12 December), Superstar Rajinikanth today said he had no such plans, though all works towards it have almost been completed.
Addressing mediapersons at Chennai airport, Rajinikanth, who returned from Varanasi after completing the shoot of his upcoming film Petta, said, “We are done with 90 per cent works towards floating our political party. However, it will not happen 12 December. The name of our political party and party flag would be announced at an appropriate time.”
Having completed the shoot for his mega venture Petta 15 days ahead of schedule, he reached Chennai this morning.
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Petta stars Trisha, Simran, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathi and Bobby Simha among others. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander.
“We planned everything in advance and executed things well to ensure that we completed the shoot ahead of our original plan,” added Rajinikanth, and said the film has shaped up well.
Asked about the trouble in Sabaraimala Ayyappa Temple following the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple, the actor who does not fight shy of flaunting his spirituality, said, “Traditions should be allowed to follow. It is a matter of faith and belief.”
Queried whether he opposes the apex court order on the issue, the actor said, “Women have equal rights and I respect the order, but we should respect traditions, too.”
On the #MeToo movement, where women were coming out with names of men who sexually assaulted / harassed them, Rajinikanth, said, “It is a movement that ensures the safety of women. However, at the same time, they should not misuse it.”
Asked about allegations of sexual harassment against lyricist Vairamuthu in #MeToo, Rajinikanth, said, “He has denied the charges. Let’s wait and see.”
When a scribe asked him to comment on the political situation in Tamilnadu, as he had been out of the State for over 40 days shooting for Petta, Rajinikanth, in a lighter vein, said, “How can I comment on it when I was out of the town for over a month.”
‘PETTA PARAAK’
Scribes turned fans of Rajinikanth at the Chennai airport today. During the interaction with the media this morning, anxious reporters asked the actor to reveal a punchline from his movie Petta, which is under production. In typical style, Rajinikanth said, “Petta Paraak“. There were laughs and cheers all round.