Superstar actor Rajinikanth and Tamil Nadu Minister Durai Murugan smoothed things over Monday, calling each other “old friends” after a spat sparked by Rajinikanth’s praise for Chief Minister MK Stalin and his approach to handling “senior students who refuse to leave class.”
“Durai Murugan is my long-time friend. Whatever he says is not an issue… our friendship will always continue,” Rajinikanth told reporters, downplaying any tension.
Murugan was quick to reciprocate, saying, “I am also saying the same thing… no one should see our jokes as enmity. We will always be friends… like how we used to be.”
Rajinikanth’s comments came at a book launch in Chennai celebrating DMK legend and former Chief Minister MK Karunanidhi, Stalin’s father. He expressed amazement at Stalin’s ability to handle senior party members, describing them as “rank holders who refuse to leave class” and noting how challenging it must be to manage individuals Karunanidhi had mentored from their youth.
“Here, they are not just old students, or failed students, but rank holders who refuse to leave class,” Rajinikanth said. “Karunanidhi nurtured them from their younger years… and it is not easy to manage them. Durai Murugan was one such tough man for Karunanidhi…”
Rajinikanth’s remarks were largely interpreted as a jab at veteran members of the ruling DMK, especially those hesitant to make way for younger colleagues. The buzz surrounding this stems from speculation that Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister’s son, may soon be appointed as his deputy—a possible first move in a broader succession plan. Rajinikanth’s words seemed to hint at potential internal resistance when that transition happens.
Both Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi were in attendance.
Durai Murugan, 86, who manages several portfolios, including Minerals and Mines and Water Resources, took a swipe at Rajinikanth in response, referring to “senior actors (who) continue to act (even) after losing teeth…” and, as a result, deny younger actors the spotlight.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, who serves as Tamil Nadu’s Youth and Sports Development Minister, appeared to support Rajinikanth’s message, adding, “Youth are ready and willing to join… we only have to give them space.”
Rajinikanth, who once seemed destined for a political career and was courted by various parties, including the BJP, withdrew from politics in 2021 due to health concerns. Despite stepping back, he remains an influential voice in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the intersection of politics and cinema, which is dominated by Dravidian parties like the DMK and AIADMK.
