I grew as an actor just by watching Kamal Haasan acting. I had the good fortune of being able to observe Kamal Haasan from close quarters.
— Rajinikanth
There is always a question that arises asking if am a Tamilan. I am 66 years old now. I had been in Karnataka only for 23 years; for the remaining 44 years of my life, I have been in Tamil Nadu with the Tamil people.
For me, the only superstar is Amitabh Bachchan.
I am not doing films for awards.
Whenever I am unwell, I come back because of the prayers of my fans.
When producers and directors were courting Sivaji Ganesan, MGR directed and produced 'Nadodi Mannan' and showed that he can do it alone. He created history and stood his ground against one of the best actors in history, Sivaji Ganesan.
A producer is bound to market his product with innovative gimmicks and quirky selling techniques, but distributors and exhibitors should not fall prey to it. Don't buy a film for exorbitant price and crib about losses post the film's release.
In any field, when an opportunity arises, one mustn't let it go.
I believe spiritualism is above everything, and I would choose it over name, fame, and money because spiritualism gives you power, and I love power.
The truth is, hero of '2.0' is not Rajinikanth but Akshay Kumar. If I was given a choice, I would have taken that character. Hats off to Akshay. He has worked so hard.
The media is so powerful.
In my entire career, only two actors challenged me as villain in my films. One is Raghuvaran's character of Mark Antony in 'Baasha' and Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of Neelambari in 'Padaiyappa.'
Working with intelligent people is easy, but we should be careful with geniuses.
Spiritual government means a pure government that doesn't discriminate on the lines of caste, creed, or religion.
I have always said, 'Never stop work.' Continue work and sort out issues simultaneously.
If people go out and start protests for everything, then entire Tamil Nadu will become a grave yard!
I am joining politics for sure.
Apoorva Raagangal,' 'Moondru Mudichu,' 'Avargal' - these were all my guru K. Balachander's films; I became a hero with these three films.
'Kochadaiyaan' is a fantasy film. It will attract not only children but everyone.
I am drawn towards the power of spirituality and derive a lot of energy from it.
'Basha' is the best screenplay in my career.
When K. Balachander saw me for the first time, he booked me for three films and asked me to learn Tamil first.
Tamil Nadu needs a leader, a leadership. I am coming to fill that vacuum.
How you communicate while criticising a film is important. Don't pass any hurtful remarks.
There are lot of people who speak about superstardom, but I'd like to say that it's not about any individual - it's about the opportunity.
I would like to call myself a spiritualist more than an actor.
MeToo is a good movement, but women should not misuse it... MeToo should be used correctly.
I'm not worried by politics: I'm worried about the media.
Ranjith is a great human being who cares for his community and his people a lot.
People's support, fan's love and support, give me energy.
The worst form of violence is the assault on uniformed personnel.
This rumour that the BJP is behind me has been going on for a while, but the truth is the only person behind me is God - and, of course, the people of Tamil Nadu.
I am hesitating about joining politics since I know the difficulties.
It is only in our country that you see that not just invaders but politicians have robbed us, too.
In the beginning, in 1975, just how big a star Kamal Haasan was, today's generation does not know.
For me, every film is like the first picture. I am very choosy with the director and producer.
Starting with a meagre amount of Rs 300 as a conductor, when I became an actor and started seeing huge moneys like Rs 3 or 4 lakhs, I thought I was 'an exclusive creation' by God, and he had made me like this. Later, I got the wisdom and realised that my time was good and things worked out! And I was also a normal human being like others.
Suresh Krissna and Mani Ratnam are the ones who made me a superstar.
MGR's rule took care of the poor, the downtrodden, and the middle class. I have faith that I, too, can provide that rule. With the help of technology and the support of youngsters, resourceful people, and intellectuals, I, too, can provide that kind of a rule.
Before acquiring a project, take the advice of experienced trade pundits in the industry and analyse the risks and business propositions thoroughly.
Usually, in many films, only the hero's character is of importance, and the others may not be as significant. But in 'Kaala,' there are at least six characters that will have a huge impact and will stay with you even after the movie.
My brother was my first guru who introduced me to spiritualism at a very young age. He later even enrolled me into Ramakrishna Mission.
I was a Kannada journalist and had worked in 'Samyukta Karnataka' newspaper as a proofreader.
The land of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subash Chandra Bose has mesmerised me. I am really happy to meet such lovely people, good and kindhearted people.
I'm not entering politics for name or fame.
There's politics in 'Kaala,' but it's not a political drama.
I like 'Kaala' more than 'Kabali.'
In public life, criticism cannot be avoided completely.
Real human purpose in life is to realise self. I am on the path to spirituality, to realise my inner self.
Even God can't save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa comes back to power again.
