Dadasaheb Phalke For Rajini: Wrong Timing By BJP?

The other day, Government of India announced that Superstar Rajinikanth will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2019. Rajini will be the 51st recipient of this award. Ever since the news came out, the fans, critics, film celebrities, politicians and everyone is pouring on compliments for the supreme actor. But, there is also an opinion that the timing of this announcement is improper.

There is no doubt that Rajini is a sensational actor who deserves this award. It is long-due for sure. But it is the timing of the announcement that is now raising speculations among political circles. It is already known that Rajini was supposed to enter politics this year but he stepped back on the idea citing health issues. But he always remained diplomatic towards the union government led by BJP. Now, it looks like BJP is taking advantage of Rajini’s stardom and silence in Tamil Nadu by giving him this award just before the assembly elections of the state.

The focus light is on Rajinikanth to see who he supports in the current general election but he has been staying calm. Though the media speculations are rife that he will hold a press meet to extend his support to a major political party, the sources close to the actor denied the same. In view of the same, the award announcement is resulting in discussions about him thanking the BJP government, which could benefit the party in the election.

“Popular across generations, a body of work few can boast of, diverse roles and an endearing personality…that’s Rajinikanth for you. It’s a matter of immense joy that Thalaiva has been conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Congratulations to him” stated PM Narendra Modi.

BJP made an alliance with the ruling party AIDMK in Tamil Nadu. By giving this award to Rajini, BJP may have tried to lure the fans and followers of the actor. If BJP manages to get the vote bank of Rajini’s followers, they will definitely get good number of votes in the state. While Rajinikanth wants to keep himself away from politics and political discussions, the current situation may irk him for a while.

Thus, the analysts predict it to be a strategy of BJP to confer Rajini with this award at this time. But, to what extent does this work will always remain a big question since the TN voters never wanted BJP to get the majority. In not less than a month, the whistle gets blown and we get to see the result of the election.

Whatever it may be, this moment has to be celebrated. Rajnikanth has earned every bit of adulation and this award is the true celebration of a legend. A huge shout out to ‘Thalaiva’.