Actor Udhayanidhi Stalin, in a recent interview, talked about joining his father in politics and Rajinikanth’s political ambitions among other things. In an interview with the Tamil edition of The Hindu, the actor said that he doesn’t have to join politics because he’s already ‘in it’.
Speaking about his status as an actor and the son of the DMK Working President, he said, “Just because I am from a political family (M Karunanidhi’s family) people go to great lengths to criticise me. Earlier, none of my films would get tax exemption. I would have to fight for it in court. Nothing would happen even if I lodge a complaint with the TFPC, Nadigar Sangam and the Film Chamber.”
When asked about his political entry, he declared, “My films release after several issues – which means, I am already in politics.”
He added that his mother often tells him to join his father in politics. “Right now, (Anbil) Mahesh is with Appa, and I like cinema. I want to direct and act in good movies. Perhaps if Oru Kal Oru Kannadi hadn’t been successful, I may have taken a different path, but my father has never forced something on me. I have used the freedom well,” he revealed.
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The actor further highlighted that while he does recognise himself as an actor, he doesn’t disassociate himself from his family’s political side. “I used to attend DMK’s meetings earlier, for Appa (Stalin), Thatha (M Karunanidhi), Murasoli Maran etc. After entering cinema, I’d gone out to campaign for Anbil Mahesh because he’s a friend. As for attending DMK meetings as a member, only time will tell.”
When asked about Rajinikanth’s political entry, he said that he’ll reserve his comments for when the Superstar’s party’s name is announced. “He talks spiritual politics. I do not know what that means. I am a rationalist.”
Currently, Udhayanidhi has Nimir slated to release on January 26. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is the Tamil remake of the Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaram.