I like you, not your acting: Rajinikanth recalls Bharathiraja's honesty in tribute
Rajinikanth paid homage to Bharathiraja in Chennai and recalled the director's unfiltered honesty. He said the filmmaker's work, friendships and support for others would be remembered for years.
Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday paid homage to his friend Bharathiraja, one of Tamil cinema's iconic directors, and said the late filmmaker's name would remain in the hearts of the Tamil people forever. He recalled how the filmmaker openly said that he never liked my acting but liked me as a human being.
Speaking to the media in Chennai after paying his respects, Rajinikanth recalled Bharathiraja's long contribution to cinema and his lasting place in public memory. The filmmaker died at his residence on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 84.
On a personal note, Rajinikanth described the six-time National Award-winning director as innocent as a child. He said Bharathiraja always spoke his mind openly. "If he liked, he'd say he liked. Else, he'd say no. He has even told me, 'I like you, but I don't like your acting'," Rajinikanth said.
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Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja had been his friend for 50 years and that his talent and achievements were known to all. He said the director introduced several actors and technicians to the film industry and was always the first person to stand up for people facing difficulties.
He said, "Not just that, he was among those who first raised his voice for anybody, be it producers, directors or anyone who had a problem. No matter how many years pass, his creations will be forgotten. His name will continue to remain in the hearts of Tamil people forever."
The actor said being with Bharathiraja always brought happiness and added that very few people were as open as him in expressing their thoughts. He said this was one reason Bharathiraja was close to many people, including former Chief Ministers MGR and Kalaignar Karunanidhi, and Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan.
Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja had so much love and friendship that he could walk into anybody's home at any time of the day.
The Coolie actor also said Bharathiraja's death had not been sudden and recalled that he had wanted to meet him while he was alive. He said he was told he could meet the director once he became well, but that meeting never happened. "But then, I couldn't meet him at all. He will continue to remain in my thoughts always and with me. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family members," he said.
Rajinikanth and Bharathiraja worked on 16 Vayathinile and Kodi Parakkuthu.
Actor, producer and Parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, CM Vijay, former CM MK Stalin and music composer Ilaiyaraaja, among others, also visited the late director's residence and paid homage.
Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday paid homage to his friend Bharathiraja, one of Tamil cinema's iconic directors, and said the late filmmaker's name would remain in the hearts of the Tamil people forever. He recalled how the filmmaker openly said that he never liked my acting but liked me as a human being.
Speaking to the media in Chennai after paying his respects, Rajinikanth recalled Bharathiraja's long contribution to cinema and his lasting place in public memory. The filmmaker died at his residence on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 84.
On a personal note, Rajinikanth described the six-time National Award-winning director as innocent as a child. He said Bharathiraja always spoke his mind openly. "If he liked, he'd say he liked. Else, he'd say no. He has even told me, 'I like you, but I don't like your acting'," Rajinikanth said.
Here's the video:
Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja had been his friend for 50 years and that his talent and achievements were known to all. He said the director introduced several actors and technicians to the film industry and was always the first person to stand up for people facing difficulties.
He said, "Not just that, he was among those who first raised his voice for anybody, be it producers, directors or anyone who had a problem. No matter how many years pass, his creations will be forgotten. His name will continue to remain in the hearts of Tamil people forever."
The actor said being with Bharathiraja always brought happiness and added that very few people were as open as him in expressing their thoughts. He said this was one reason Bharathiraja was close to many people, including former Chief Ministers MGR and Kalaignar Karunanidhi, and Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan.
Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja had so much love and friendship that he could walk into anybody's home at any time of the day.
The Coolie actor also said Bharathiraja's death had not been sudden and recalled that he had wanted to meet him while he was alive. He said he was told he could meet the director once he became well, but that meeting never happened. "But then, I couldn't meet him at all. He will continue to remain in my thoughts always and with me. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family members," he said.
Rajinikanth and Bharathiraja worked on 16 Vayathinile and Kodi Parakkuthu.
Actor, producer and Parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, CM Vijay, former CM MK Stalin and music composer Ilaiyaraaja, among others, also visited the late director's residence and paid homage.
