Chennai: With just five days to go for elections in Tamilnadu, the Union government today announced conferring actor Rajinikanth with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2019, India’s highest film honour.
Though film-lovers and fans started celebrating, a section of people alleged in social media that the decision was taken mainly to woo Rajini fans keeping in mind the polls next Tuesday.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar tweeted, “Happy to announce Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2019 to one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema Rajnikant ji. His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic.” He also denied political reasons behind choosing Rajinikanth for the coveted honour.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2019 should have been announced last year but was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, as were the National Film Awards for 2019. On the jury that selected Rajinikanth for the award were singers Asha Bhosle and Shankar Mahadevan, actors Mohanlal and Biswajeet and filmmaker Subash Chai.
Congratulating Rajinikanth for the honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him Thalaiva. He said, “It is a matter of immense joy that Thalaiva has been conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award”.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami spoke to Rajinikanth on phone and congratulated him.
Leader of Opposition MK Stalin extended his congratulations to Rajinikanth. Describing him as his good friend, Stalin tweeted that the honour has come little late but nevertheless made everyone happy.
Expressing his joy, fellow actor and politician Kamal Haasan tweeted in Tamil and said Rajinikanth, who has proven than he can win over fans by appearing on the screen, deserves the award 100%.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran also greeted Rajinikanth.
Remember Rajinikanth was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in the past.
Rajinikanth made an about-turn in December last year, dropping his political plans, just as he was on the brink of launching his political party after years of speculation. He backed out citing his health.
Starting his career as bus conductor in Karnataka, Rajinikanth made his debut onscreen with Aboorva Ragangal in a brief role. Introduced by K Balachander, he went on to do minor roles, villainous characters before turning a solo hero.
His popularity has been attributed to his uniquely styled dialogues and idiosyncrasies in films.
Still the numerous uno actor in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth is highest paid actor in India and in his career spanning over 40 years has rendered majority of blockbusters. He has been part of black and white, colour, 3D and stereoscopic films.
Last seen on screen in ‘Darbar’, Rajinikanth is currently shooting for ‘Annathae’. Fans of Rajinikanth are celebrating the honour and congratulatory messages are pouring in social media.