Why Rajinikanth Chooses to Stay Out of Tamil Nadu Politics

Rajinikanth, often revered as the reigning king of Indian cinema, has repeatedly declined to enter the political arena. Despite the immense pressure and the societal expectation that he lead a political party, he has made a conscious decision to remain purely in the world of entertainment. Here is a comprehensive examination of why Rajinikanth chooses to stay out of Tamil Nadu politics.

Rejection of Political Careers

Placed in a position where time is running out and he can only choose his grave and its location, Rajinikanth sees no compelling reason to dip his toes into Tamil Nadu’s turbulent political waters. As a Marathi native, he sees himself as an outsider in a region where only local inhabitants can aspire to rule. This situation is parallel to other instances where non-tamils have been barred from leadership positions within their own communities.

Personal Commitment to Acting

Rajinikanth's life is deeply committed to acting. Nothing else interests him. His legendary meet with Shivaji Ganesan, a prominent actor and part-time politician, may have provided him with wisdom on the pitfalls of political life, leading to his decision to remain a mere spectator. Shivaji Ganesan's political experience might have seasoned Rajinikanth's perspective, making him more aware of the complex and often messy nature of political ambitions.

Given the stark reality that supporting one or the other political parties is nearly unavoidable, he has maintained his options open. A serious call from the BJP brought initial happiness but quickly followed by a realization. He understood that he would be a puppet, controlled by local BJP leaders. As a man of strong principles and self-respect, Rajinikanth could not accept such a position, leading to an abrupt withdrawal from the political arena.

Expirance and Age Factor

Rajinikanth is acutely aware of the passage of time and the truths that 'every thing, every one has a expiry date.' He recognizes that his political career is past its prime and that he is no longer as saleable on the political stage as he once was. The 1990s, a golden era for his political career, have long passed, and he understands that a return to politics now would not be a successful spectacle.

Disappointing Political Experiences

The 1990s marked a period where Rajinikanth's daring and agile political activism swayed voters and culturally iconic statuses. Actions like entering a political pact with Telugu Desam cadres in Andhra Pradesh and playing a significant role in bringing DMK back to power in Tamil Nadu are cited. Yet, his political projects did not garner the anticipated success. For instance, the 2001 elections where the DMK, with his support, narrowly lost, and his late decision to go mute during the election times also led to a fall in his public appeal.

Other experiences, such as being on good terms with Dr. Ramdas of the PMK and having a famous run-in with J. Jayalalitha over traffic protocols, further highlight the challenges and complexities of his political endeavors. These experiences served as a clear example of his wavering public appeal and declining influence in the political arena.

Perceived Insufficiencies and Limitations

The overwhelming evidence points towards Rajinikanth's belief that his political ventures might have been marred by a lack of support and genuine engagement with the public. His decision to stay out of politics is driven by a combination of factors, including his ancestral roots being from Maharashtra, his poor public stance in 1996, refusal to compromise on his principles, and the impact of social and political shifts in the 2000s.

The prevalent caste politics, the emergence of new political leaders, and the increasing role of social media and public perception on political success, further solidified his decision. These elements cumulatively contributed to his belief that he is no longer the iconic figure needed to effect political change in Tamil Nadu.

Feeling overshadowed by his contemporaries and the evolving nature of the political landscape, Rajinikanth has decided to stay within his comfort zone of acting, aiming to deliver one last blockbuster performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rajinikanth's decision to stay out of Tamil Nadu politics is a well-thought-out choice driven by practical realities and a keen understanding of his own limitations. While he remains a significant, if not pivotal, figure in the film industry, the political arena presents challenges that he is unwilling to face. Only time will tell if his future endeavors in cinema will meet the success of his past.