Rajinikanth, the iconic actor of Kollywood, marks another stylish year of existence on December 12. While the passage of time may leave its mark, Rajini remains the indomitable Superstar for his fans. On-screen, his charisma continues to reign, as evidenced by his legendary punch dialogues, such as “En vazhi, thani vazhi! (My way is my own).” For many, growing up meant emulating Rajini, breaking sunglasses in the hope of mirroring his style. Bollywood’s luminaries are no strangers to showering praises on this remarkable star. Let’s delve into instances where Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan expressed their admiration for Rajinikanth.
Aamir Khan’s Gracious Decline for 2.0
In the realm of Shankar’s magnum opus, “2.0,” a revelation unfolds: Aamir Khan was initially approached for the lead role. However, his refusal wasn’t a testament to the script’s inadequacy; rather, it stemmed from Aamir’s belief that no one else could embody the characters of Vaseegaran and Chitti like Rajinikanth. In a 2017 interview with ETC Bollywood, Aamir shared, “Rajini sir felt back then that he wasn’t healthy enough to shoot for the film and suggested that Shankar rope me in. But, when I closed my eyes I could only see Rajini sir in the role, he’s irreplaceable. I’ve read the script, the film will be a super hit. But I didn’t think anyone but him could do it. It was not a tough decision to turn it down because I am his fan.”
Amitabh Bachchan’s Endearing Bond
At the IFFI 2019 in Goa, Amitabh Bachchan opened up about his camaraderie with Rajinikanth. The duo had previously shared the screen in the 1991 film “Hum.” Describing Rajini as a family member, Amitabh expressed, “I think of Rajinikanth ji as a member of my family. We stay in touch and often talk. Sometimes he asks me for advice and vice versa.” In a lighthearted note, Amitabh added, “Sometimes I tell him not to do something, but he goes ahead and does it. But thank you, Rajini, for being with me. You’re an incredible source of inspiration. Such a humble being, he came from such humble beginnings. He inspires us every day.”
Hrithik Roshan’s Fond Memories from “Bhagwaan Dada”
The 1986 film “Bhagwaan Dada” witnessed Rajinikanth sharing the screen with a young Hrithik Roshan. Reflecting on the experience in a 2017 interview, Hrithik recalled, “I used to say whatever I want to him as if he was my friend while shooting for Bhagwaan Dada. He was very gracious back then because he forgave a lot of things I did or said. I remember vividly how whenever I would make a mistake and the director (my grandfather) would cut the shot, Rajini sir would apologize so I don’t feel bad. I remember that now with so much love in my heart because he kept my confidence.”
In conclusion, as Rajinikanth adds another year to his illustrious journey, Bollywood’s expressions of admiration stand as a testament to the enduring impact of the one and only Superstar.
