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Rajinikanth’s advise to Kamal Haasan: Fame, money not enough to succeed in politics

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9 years ago

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Rajinikanth’s advise to Kamal Haasan: Fame, money not enough to succeed in politics

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The gods of Tamil cinema shared the stage at a function in Chennai to inaugurate a memorial for iconic actor Sivaji Ganesan

With Tamil actor Kamal Haasan actively considering his political debut, here’s a piece of advice from the state’s undisputed superstar – Rajinikanth – that he can’t risk ignoring: “To be successful in politics, just name, fame and money are not enough.”

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – the two Gods of Tamil cinema – came together on a common stage on Sunday in Chennai for the inauguration of a memorial dedicated to another iconic and still vastly popular Tamil actor – Sivaji Ganesan.

The function, organised by the AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu government, which has been at the receiving end of Haasan’s strident criticism for the past few years, was being keenly looked forward to as the state’s electorate has been guessing about the next move of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – both speculated to enter the political fray soon.

While Haasan has been open about his ambition to join electoral politics and even float his own party, having said recently that “if elections are held in Tamil Nadu today, I will be there”, Rajinikanth’s foray into politics has remained a matter of conjecture though the superstar has indicated that he might take the plunge.

But on Sunday, it was clearly Rajinikanth who stole the show – taking digs at his friend and fellow actor of nearly five decades.

Citing the example of the late thespian Sivaji Ganesan, who despite his massive success in cinema failed to become a formidable political force in the state even after being with various political parties – including the Congress, DMK, Janata Party and floating his own outfit, the Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani- Rajinikanth took some not so-veiled digs at Haasan.

“Sivaji (Ganesan) has left a lesson not just in cinema but also in politics. He started his own political party, fought and lost (elections) from his own constituency. This was not an insult to him, but the people of that constituency, Rajini said.

The Tamil superstar then went on to add: “The message is that to be successful in politics, just name, fame and money are not enough. There is something beyond that.”

Admitting that he didn’t know what was required to be a successful politician, Rajinikanth added: “Only electors know what it takes for actors to become successful politicians. I don’t know for sure. I think Kamal Haasan knows it.”

The actor then took a swipe at Haasan, saying that “even if I ask him (about what it is that is needed to succeed in politics), he won’t share it with me now,” adding that “he may have told me if I had asked him two months ago”.

While Rajinikanth predictably gave no clear hints on whether or not he would be taking the much anticipated plunge into electoral politics, he didn’t shy away from putting Haasan in a spot.

“I told him (Kamal) that you’re my elder brother in the film industry and you should tell me what is needed for an actor to succeed in politics. And he says, ‘come with me, I will tell you’,” Rajinikanth said, indicating that Haasan had perhaps asked him to join the political outfit he plans to float.

Tamil Nadu has had a rich history of cinema marrying politics. Though Sivaji Ganesan may not have been successful in his political innings, his contemporary, the legendary MG  Ramachandran, not only floated the AIADMK after walking out of the M Karunanidhi-led DMK, but also went on to become the state’s chief minister.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Women’s quota bill fails in Lok Sabha as it falls short of two-thirds majority

Women’s reservation proposal failed in Lok Sabha after securing 298 votes, below the required two-thirds majority

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7 hours ago

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April 17, 2026

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Parliament

Government secures 298 votes in favour, 230 against; proposal does not pass constitutional threshold

The proposed amendment related to women’s reservation failed to pass in the Lok Sabha on Friday after the government could not secure the required two-thirds majority.

The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the constitutional threshold needed for passage. As a constitutional amendment, it required the support of at least two-thirds of members present and voting.

Despite securing a simple majority, the government was unable to gather sufficient support to meet this requirement.

Debate continues over two days

The discussion on the bill extended late into Thursday and continued on Friday, with members from both sides participating in the debate on women’s representation in legislative bodies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged members to support the proposal, calling for wider consensus on the issue.

Implications of the outcome

The failure of the bill underscores the challenges in securing broad political agreement on constitutional amendments, especially those related to representation and electoral reforms.

The proposal was aimed at advancing women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, an issue that has remained under discussion for several years.

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Rahul Gandhi faces FIR order as Allahabad High Court acts on dual citizenship plea

High Court allows plea in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case, paving the way for further legal process.

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11 hours ago

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April 17, 2026

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Rahul Gandhi

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has allowed a petition seeking legal action in connection with allegations related to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship status, marking a fresh development in the case.

The petition was filed by a political worker, who had approached the court seeking directions for registration of a case over claims that Gandhi may have held foreign citizenship. The High Court, while hearing the matter, passed directions for further proceedings in accordance with law.

The development comes after a special MP/MLA court in Lucknow had earlier declined to order registration of an FIR, reportedly observing that it lacked jurisdiction in matters concerning citizenship.

Background

The case is linked to allegations that Rahul Gandhi may have held British citizenship. Under Indian law, dual citizenship is not permitted. However, these claims remain part of the petitioner’s submissions and have not been established by any court.

During earlier hearings, the High Court had sought records and considered material presented by the parties involved.

What happens next

With the High Court allowing the plea, the matter is expected to proceed as per due legal process. This may involve examination by the appropriate authority and further judicial review at subsequent stages.

The case carries both legal and political significance given Rahul Gandhi’s role as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

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Pawan Khera faces fresh setback as Supreme Court refuses relief in passport row case

Congress leader Pawan Khera faces fresh setback as Supreme Court refuses interim relief and directs him to seek bail from Guwahati High Court.

Published

14 hours ago

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April 17, 2026

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Pawan Khera

Congress leader Pawan Khera suffered another legal setback on Friday after the Supreme Court of India declined to extend protection in a case linked to his remarks about Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.

A bench of the apex court refused to interfere with an earlier order that had stayed the transit anticipatory bail granted to Khera by the Telangana High Court. This decision leaves the Congress leader open to possible arrest by Assam Police in connection with the case.

During the hearing, Khera’s counsel sought interim protection, but the court declined the request and advised him to approach the appropriate court in Assam for relief. The bench clarified that the Guwahati High Court should decide any bail plea independently and on its merits.

“Am I a terrorist?” remark during hearing

While seeking protection, Khera’s legal team expressed concern over the urgency of the situation. In court, his counsel remarked, “Am I a terrorist?” highlighting the plea for temporary relief until a fresh bail application could be filed.

The Supreme Court also raised concerns over the submission of incorrect documents during the proceedings, adding another layer to the legal complications faced by the Congress leader.

Case linked to remarks on CM’s wife

The case stems from a press conference held earlier this month, where Khera made allegations regarding the citizenship status and financial assets of the Assam Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

He had claimed that she possessed multiple passports and owned undisclosed overseas properties. These allegations were strongly denied by the Chief Minister’s family, who termed them fabricated and misleading.

Legal battle intensifies

Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera temporary transit anticipatory bail, allowing him time to seek relief from a competent court in Assam. However, the Supreme Court stayed that order following a challenge by Assam authorities, escalating the legal battle.

With the latest ruling, Khera is now expected to move the Guwahati High Court for anticipatory bail as the case continues to unfold.

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