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Here is the full version of the interview…

His 50th film Mankatha has had an opening like none other this year. Whether it’s the salt-and-pepper look or playing the suited baddie, Ajith has carried it off with élan. Here, he opens up about the film, politics and more…

Did you expect the film to do as well as it has?

When I first heard the synopsis of Mankatha, it was a one liner. Post Vaalee, I hadn’t done a character with negative shade and I asked Venkat if he had any scripts. The moment I mentioned it, there was pin-drop silence at the other end of the line. He told me a line and I said it sounds interesting and I don’t mind doing it. I knew the film would do well but I didn’t expect this kind of a success; not even in my wildest dreams.

Do you think it’s because it’s your 50th film?

It’s got to do with a lot of factors. Venkat Prabhu is in tune with the youngsters of today. For instance, his dialogues are something the youth can relate to. Plus, it’s my 50th film. The star cast of the film — Arjun, Trisha, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali and the boys – was also a factor. The day of release was important – very rarely do you have five days in a row of holidays. Another reason why it worked was it was all about money; people could relate to this as money is so important today.

Casting Arjun…

I personally called him and asked him if he’d like to play this role. He said that he definitely wants to be a part of it, especially because it was my 50th film. When I was watching the film, I wasn’t even worried about what the public would think. I was more worried what Mr Arjun would think! Venkat and I were conscious that we never let him down.

Have you seen the movie with the audience?

No, I haven’t. The last film that I saw in a theatre was Ullasam in 1997. I have never been to a theatre after that. I am scared – scared because if it doesn’t do well, it will be hard to take. I am also scared that if it does really well, it would go to my head. I don’t want either of those reactions. In fact, Mankatha is the first movie that my daughter Anoushka has seen on-screen!

Are you happy with the salt and-pepper look? Women loved it…

Thank you (smiles). May be after Billa 2, I will retain my salt-and-pepper look for all my films. I will start choosing scripts that suit my age post that.

There are rumours of you signing a movie with Vishuvardhan, Vijay and Vikram Kumar…
We have a lot of great directors, but I don’t know who will be available post Billa 2. Vishnu is one director I look forward to working with again. I’d like to work with Venkat Prabhu again, but I don’t want him to feel obligated to cast me. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, there’ll be an announcement.

You recently disbanded your fan clubs. Any regrets?

This has nothing to do with the industry or the culture. This is something that I wanted to do, especially with the nexus between politics and the industry being so strong. I am aware that fans of mine come from different walks of life. And I want my fans to do well, but they need to understand that there is life beyond movies. This is entertainment, don’t take it too seriously. As an individual, you have every right to express your political preference. As fans, be united and come and watch my film. I received a lot of support when I took this decision. I’m very grateful to my fans that they accepted my decision and understood why I did it. With social networking, you are free to express yourself and I will take it as constructive criticism. You don’t need an organization to be a fan. If you love me, say a prayer for me.

Politics and entertainment are intertwined…

I’m not politically ambitious or politically motivated. I believe there are two kinds of people – those who want to get directly involved and those who ask ‘what can I do as an individual?’ I belong to the latter category. I work hard, pay my taxes, do charity within my capabilities and exercise my vote. If every individual fulfills his obligations or commitments, I think the world will be a better place.

Chennai:

A proud fan of the actor from the age of eight, the dubbing artiste-cum-human rights activist believes that no better blessing can be given to her daughter and son-in-law in waiting, than one from her “living god”.

Lavanya was engaged to Rajasekaran early in June and the couple is eagerly awaiting “good news” from the star.

A staunch believer in non-association with fan clubs, she celebrated the return of Rajini at the Vadapalani Murugan Temple on Saturday by shaving her head and offering a special pooja. Along with her, her son Gopi Raj also had his head tonsured.

“My daughter was also itching to have her head tonsured for our Thalaivar’s safe return, but I didn’t want to upset my future in-laws any further and so stopped her,” she reveals.

Gowri’s friend Amudha, and a father-son duo, Sivakumar and eigh-year-old Sasikumar, also had their heads shaven clean.

She also said she fed 500 needy persons and presented saris to 50 women to mark the actor’s return.

When asked if she believed the star who shied away from the public eye would actually be able to make it to her daughter’s wedding, Gowri says unwaveringly, “He will be there. I know. He lives for us just like we live for him.”

Finally

After the superstar’s return to India this week, there was much speculation as to where would he be staying during the period of his recovery. While some said that Rajinikanth would stay at his Poes Garden home, others conjectured he might choose to stay at the Kelambakkam farm house. However, Rajini has surprised everyone by deciding to stay at the Alwarpet House of his elder daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush.

Apparently, the reason behind this decision of Rajini sir is his desire to spend some quality time with family and especially his two grandkids Yatra and Linga. We sincerely hope that the superstar regains his health and resumes entertaining us like before. Fans are eagerly awaiting the shooting of ‘Rana’ to restart which has been kept in limbo until Rajinikanth recovers.

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seems to be in news once again. The actress has been the talk of the town after her pregnancy became public. This was of course followed by her controversy related to Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Heroine. Now, Aishwarya seems to be taking the center stage again, as she is all set to be honoured with the prestigious Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres by the French Government in New Delhi tomorrow, thus becoming the first Asian actress and the youngest Indian to win the honour.

This distinction is conferred on people who have achieved immense recognition, because of their contribution in the fields of arts, culture or literature. The previous winners of this awards (which happens to be the second highest civilian award in France and an equivalent Padma Vibhushan), include the likes of Robert Redford, George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Shah Rukh Khan.

The news of Ash being the recipient of this award was publicly declared by the French daily ‘Le Figaro’, which stated that, “She (Ash) is one of the most famous Indian actors in this country and outside the borders of India. Aishwarya will be made Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, Wednesday, July 13, by the Ambassador of France in New Delhi, Jerome Bonnafont. According to a statement from the embassy, the ceremony will be attended by the family of the young woman in full.”

Not many know the fact that Ash, who had earlier too been offered this award, had refused it then due to her father’s health issues.

Legendary

Lakshmi Menon is playing as Vikram’s lady love in the flick.

Based on the life and struggles of Elephants, the movie will be shot in the dense forests of Tamil Nadu Kerala border. The director also planning to shoot the real elephants living in the jungles.

The launch of the movie was held at Hotel Residency towers, Chennai on Monday in Kollywood style.

Produced by Director Lingusamy’s Thiruppathy Pictures, the film’s distribution rights acquired by UTV motion pictures.

As per media news, Rajinikanth, who is desperate to return to India and start his stalled venture ‘Rana’, rang up the lead actress Deepika Padukone for her dates for rescheduling the film in September.

Sources revealed that Deepika was elated on receiving Rajini’s call and she wished the actor speedy recovery.

The hottie also assured the superstar that she will be adjusting her dates for his ‘Rana’ whenever it would be required.

Chennai: The wait is over… Superstar Rajinikanth is back to Chennai after 6 weeks treatment in a hospital in Singapore on Wednesday July 13.

Reportedly, the veteran superstar’s wife Latha and elder daughter Aishwarya have already flown to Singapore to bring the head of their family and idol of millions back to Chennai.

However, in order to avoid chaos at the airport on the megastar’s return, no confirmed date of Rajinikanth’s arrival in Chennai has been disclosed.

Fans all over the state gearing up to receive the superstar with their usual fanfare.

Has

Her last day in front of the camera was at Ramoji Rao Film city in Hyderabad on June 25.

After the wrap up of the shoot, the actress presented gifts like watches and gold rings to her assistants and say a good bye to all with tears.

When Balakrishna asked her about the post marriage acting plans, the replied that her fiance strictly asked her to quit films after marriage.

As

Nanna and Sega will flag off this season and there are as many as dozen dubbed films that are ready to hit the theatres any time. Karthi’s Naa Peru Siva, Renigunta, Mynaa (Prema Khaidi), Goa, Urumi, Bala Surya, Dhanam, Sishira, Chikku Bukku (Fair and Lovely), Rajani, Ragile Kasi and few more dubbed films from various languages are ready to take on straight Telugu movies.

Our government doesn’t levy high taxes or take necessary measures to cut down on the heavy inflow of dubbed films. Therefore, they are troubling straight films and eating into their business at times. Recent dubbed hit Rangam is one of the reasons for this sudden boom.