Shruti Suman
In Chennai, where film stars are often revered like deities, the iconic actor Rajinikanth became entangled in a social media controversy. The issue did not arise from his cinematic achievements but from the political label “Sanghi” that had been associated with him. The incident unfolded when Aishwarya, Rajinikanth’s daughter, spoke at the audio launch of the film ‘Lal Salaam.’ Aishwarya, who typically stayed away from social media, expressed her frustration with the online discussions surrounding her father’s political affiliations. Lately, the term “Sanghi” had been casually used to describe Rajinikanth, implying an alignment with right-wing politics.
“I didn’t know what it meant,” confessed Rajinikanth’s daughter, Aishwarya during her speech. “I then asked someone about meaning of Sanghi, and they explained that people who support a particular political party are called Sanghi. I want to clarify here that Rajinikanth is not a Sanghi. If Rajinikanth, was, he wouldn’t have done a film like ‘Lal Salaam.'”
The term ‘Sanghi,’ colloquially referring to a supporter of the Right-wing, sparked a heated debate in various circles. In her attempt to defend her father’s spiritual inclinations, Aishwarya unintentionally became a focal point in the ongoing discussion about the intersection of cinema and politics.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Rajinikanth clarified to the media that his daughter did not consider “Sanghi” a derogatory term. Instead, she questioned why her father was labeled as such when his focus was on spirituality. The iconic actor emphasized that his involvement in the film ‘Lal Salaam’ was a testament to his diverse roles and not an indication of any political alignment.
As the social media frenzy continued, the legendary actor found himself not only defending his reputation but also inadvertently becoming a symbol for the larger debate on the blurred lines between cinema and politics in the Indian entertainment industry.
Prateeksha Thakur
