CHENNAI: A promise to "reach out to friends" in actor Kamal Haasan's weekly column "Ananda Vikatan" has triggered excitement among fans, who have read it as a hint in working with friend Rajinikanth. Last month, Rajinikanth has followed Kamal Haasan into the political stage, announcing his intention to set up a political party and contest all seats in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections. Kamal Haasan was one of the first to congratulate him, tweeting, "I greet Rajini's social concern and political debut. Welcome welcome".
Later, in his weekly column, Haasan wrote, "I'd not antagonise my friends to secure my position like usual politicians. Nor is the youth ready to continue under such leadership. I'd attempt to reach out to elders and friends too". Last week, the two actors went to Malaysia to attend a fund-raiser that featured 250 members of the Tamil film industry. In true Tamil blockbuster fashion, they flew into the national stadium of Kuala Lumpur in a chopper. Both actors have stepped into the political void left in Tamil Nadu after the death of former Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa. In November, Kamal Haasan made the announcement that he would form a new political party, while Rajinikanth announced the formation of his party.
In his column, Kamal Haasan explained the delay in the launch of his party, saying he was being cautious as he wanted to build an organization that would outlast him. "There can be no mistakes. That's why the delay in party launch. My work should be a manifesto even beyond my life. We should launch parties for generations," he wrote.
