If God willing, I will enter politics: Rajinikanth

Chennai, May 15 (IANS) Tamil actor and superstar Rajinikanth said on Monday he hasn’t completely ruled out a career in politics and will take the path “if god is willing” after evading questions about his political aspirations.
The Kabali actor, who prefers to stay away from the spotlight, is meeting his die-hard fans in batches between Monday and Friday after a gap of 8 years.
“God decides what we have to do in life at every phase. Right now, he wants me to be an actor and I’m fulfilling my responsibility. If god willing, I will enter politics tomorrow. If I enter, I will be very truthful and will not entertain people who are in this to make money. I won’t work with such people,” the 66-year-old actor said while addressing a large gathering of his fans.
Rajinikanth also talked about his brief stint in politics when he supported Karunanidhi-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the 1996 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, saying it was a political accident.
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“Supporting a political alliance 21 years ago was a mistake on my part. My name was misused by a lot of politicians and some of them even earned money using my name. My support is for no party,” he added.
Earlier this month, Rajinikanth’s meeting with actor-politician Nagma triggered another round of speculation that the megastar may join politics. Nagma is a member of the Congress party.
Rajinikanth shares a personal camaraderie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In April 2014 just before the general election, Modi called on Rajinikanth in Chennai while on a campaign trail. Though both Modi and Rajinikanth called it a ‘courtesy call’, many saw political undertones to it.
Rajinikanth also advised his fans to stay away from drinking and smoking and said these habits not only affect people’s health but also their decision-making ability.
“I always used to wonder how people can lose their whole wealth because of drinking. It took me a while to realize that drinking leads to bad decision making and a few bad decisions and end someone’s life. I have been personally affected by drinking and smoking, please don’t fall prey to it,” he said.
The actor starred in Kabali in 2016, and will next appear opposite Akshay Kumar in 2.0.
He also confirmed that he will commence shooting for his next project with director Pa Ranjith from May 28.
–IANS