Superstar Rajinikanth, known for his immense popularity and magnetic on-screen presence, revealed an amusing incident that highlights both the scrutiny and the playful mockery he faced for playing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's hero in the 2010 blockbuster "Robot." This Shankar-directed film, which was released 13 years ago, became a cult classic, adored by millions of fans. However, the significant age gap between Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who played the female lead, did not go unnoticed, leading to some humorous and critical remarks.
During the movie's launch, Rajinikanth recounted an interaction that perfectly encapsulated the nature of this criticism. In a light-hearted and self-deprecating manner, the veteran actor shared a conversation he had with a Rajasthani man named Nandulal. This exchange happened while Rajinikanth was visiting his brother's house in Bangalore, where he met Nandulal, a tenant who was over 60 years old.
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According to Rajinikanth, after Nandulal discovered that the superstar was in town, he made a point to visit him. Upon meeting Rajinikanth, the elderly man did not mince words and candidly asked, "Hey Rajini, what happened to your hair?" The question, though blunt, was delivered with an air of familiarity that only deepened the humor of the situation. Rajinikanth, known for his signature style, responded with an equally humorous remark: "Jhad gaye yaar, choro (It shed, let's forget about it)."
This banter set the tone for what would become an even more memorable exchange. Nandulal, curious about Rajinikanth's future plans, inquired about his retirement. To this, Rajinikanth shared that he was working on a film titled "Robot," with none other than Aishwarya Rai in the lead role. This revelation prompted Nandulal to ask, "Who is the hero?"
Rajinikanth's response to Nandulal's question further emphasized the humor of the situation. "I am the hero," Rajinikanth declared. Nandulal, seemingly surprised, sought confirmation by asking, "Are you?" His disbelief was evident, but Rajinikanth’s humorous storytelling didn’t stop there. The superstar narrated how Nandulal's children, who were also present, chimed in to reassure their father, saying, "Daddy, he is the hero."
Despite this reassurance, Nandulal spent the next ten minutes staring at Rajinikanth in disbelief. The actor continued, "Then okay bye bye bye. Then I hear a voice from outside. 'What has happened to Aishwarya Rai? What has happened to Abhishek Bachchan? Leave it. What has happened to Amitabh Bachchan?'." The punchline, delivered with perfect timing, left everyone at the event in splits.
Rajinikanth's anecdote underscores a broader issue that many veteran actors face in the industry—ageism. The expectations and perceptions surrounding the age of actors, especially in romantic roles, often lead to such humorous yet pointed remarks. However, Rajinikanth's handling of the situation exemplifies his grace and ability to laugh at himself, a quality that endears him to fans across generations
Rajinikanth’s ability to connect with audiences, regardless of his age or the age of his co-stars, speaks to his versatility as an actor. His humility and sense of humor, as showcased in this story, are qualities that have helped sustain his immense popularity over the decades.
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