'Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person': Rajinikanth hits back at critics over meeting with defeated MK Stalin

Superstar Rajinikanth called a press meet at his home in Poes Garden in Chennai to address the talks and criticism surrounding him during the Tamil Nadu election time. He shared that silent rumours were becoming “truth” in people’s minds, so he decided to clear the air and explain his side.In a video shared by ANI, Rajinikanth can be seen interacting with the media, where he said, “I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being made about me in connection with the election. If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the truth. After the election results, I went and met MK Stalin, and that became a subject of criticism.”The ‘Coolie’ star further added that his friendship with the former Chief Minister isn’t confined to politics. “Our friendship is beyond politics. I felt saddened that MK Stalin was defeated in Kulathur. Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person to speak unnecessarily about anything else. As soon as the Chief Minister won, I conveyed my congratulations to him immediately,” he added.He spoke about his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. He said people misunderstood it and made different stories. Rajinikanth said it was only a friendly visit. Rajinikanth shared he was surprised and hurt by many rumors spreading around him. He felt people were mixing his personal actions with political meanings. He said he has already stepped away from politics and is not active in it anymore. He wanted people to understand this clearly and not twist his actions.He also spoke about actor Vijay and the growing political discussions around him. Rajinikanth said, "I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the Chief Minister. I am not in politics; it has been many days since I stepped away from politics. There is a 28-year age difference between Vijay and me. Here, Vijay has independently earned recognition by standing against the two major parties."Speaking of his work front, Rajinikanth is currently gearing up for the release of the much-anticipated sequel, ‘Coolie 2,’ directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. He will be working next on films collaborating with another Tamil cinema veteran, Kamal Haasan.