The massive crowd which gathered in Sholingur town in Vellore district to participate in the “Let Humanity Bloom” function raised eyebrows among people as the crowd which gathered to celebrate the triple honours of Superstar Rajinikanth’s birthday, his forty years stint in films and provision of welfare measures — sewing machines, iron boxes and tricycles valued at Rs.15 lakhs were distributed — had all the trappings of a party conference. 

While Rajini has been tight-lipped on his political leanings, Sunday’s meeting covered with banners, cutouts and flex boards highlighting Rajini’s larger than life image was anchored by Rajini’s long-time friend Raj Bahadur. Presidents of 33 district Rajini fans associations were on stage, where a traditional lamp was lit, fans association flag hoisted and portrait of director K. Balachander unveiled by Rajabahadur and director Kalaipuli S. Thanu . 

Actor Karunanakaran’s speech wherein, he as a member of the fans association asked for a sign to ensure that people did not ridicule them or take them for granted, was an indirect pull on Rajini to reveal his political leanings. He further added that if a sign was not possible, then a mere whisk of the hand was enough for the fans association to show the world who they really were. Those on stage reminisced about Rajini’s interest in people’s welfare. 

Rajbahadur said he had known Rajini for more than 45 years. Stating that acting in movies for 40 years was commendable but being a hero at the age of 67 was laudable. Reminiscing, he said that once when Rajini was hospitalised, his insistence to be allowed to see him and Rajini’s wife and daughter also pleading that he be allowed to see him astounded doctors who wanted to know who he was. 

Rajbahadur added that on one instance, the audience at a function that was enraged on hearing him address Rajini in the Tamil singular, was on the verge of attacking him, till Rajini pacified them and allowed him to continue. The gathering was also attended by prominent faces from the film industry that also included director Lingusamy, actors Bobby Simha and Lollusabha Jeeva among others.