'If politics is in my destiny, I will accept it'

Speaking out for the first time on joining politics, Tamil superstar Rajnikanth [ Images ] said that God has given him an actor's role, but if He gives him a politician's role, he will accept it.

Rajnikanth was responding to questions at the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards in New Delhi [ Images ] on January 17, where he accepted the award for Entertainer of the Year from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ].

The evening saw some of the biggest filmstars under one roof, with Shah Rukh Khan [ Images ] and Karan Johar [ Images ] joining Rajnikanth. While NDTV's Sreenivasan Jain interviewed Rajnikanth, SRK [ Images ] and Karan Johar also played journalist and quized the superstar. Here is the transcript of the interview:

NDTV: Many congratulations. It's fantastic to have you here in our midst. It is so difficult to make you leave Chennai and Tamil Nadu.

Rajni: Indeed, it is a very different occasion for me. I am honoured to receive the award from the golden hands of our Prime Minister and political saint Manmohan Singhji. I am thankful to NDTV and all the people who voted for me and the people who loved me.

NDTV: One of the reasons why it is difficult for you to leave Chennai is because you bring the whole city to a standstill. Is that true that once you had to go to the airport and when you got out of the car, the whole city came to a halt?

Rajni: It is just a rumour.

NDTV: Or only half a city?

Rajni: No, it is the whole media thing. It is not a fact.

NDTV: Let me ask you that when it comes to recognising India [ Images ]n cinema, it becomes very Bollywood centric. Not many people outside of South India know that you are one of the highest paid actors in India.

Rajni: Who said I am the highest paid actor?

NDTV: You are saying that because the finance minister is here. But we know that you are a superstar not only in South India but all over the world. You have a following as far as Japan [ Images ]. Do you feel that the South does not get enough of recognition when it comes to recognising Indian cinema?

Rajni: No, it's distorted actually. People have started recognising South Indian films and South Indian technicians and artists, thanks to the media.

NDTV: Now the question that many journalists have been trying to ask is: when are you formally going to take the plunge into politics? I know you have made many endorsements in the past to different parties, so just when are you going to dive in?

Rajni: I believe in destiny. Day before yesterday, I did not know that I will be here. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. But I believe in God and whatever God orders me to do, I will do.

NDTV: That's a very politically correct answer. But what does it actually mean? Does it mean DMK, AIADMK, or the Congress?

Rajni: Actually, God has given me a role to play, an actor's role. If he gives me a politician's role, definitely I will do it.

NDTV: Okay, so you are not ruling that out?

Rajni: I told you: destiny.

NDTV: Someone from the Hindi film fraternity will ask questions: Karan Johar?

Karan Johar: Who do you regard as actor par excellence in the Bombay film fraternity?

Rajni: Amitabh Bachchan [ Images ]

NDTV: You have said earlier that you are the Badshah but he is the Shahenshah. There is another Badshah in the audience. Shah Rukh wants to ask Rajni a question.

Shah Rukh: What does one do to become Shahenshah, sir?

Rajni: I am telling you, Shah Rukh, you will one day become Shahenshah.

NDTV: Do you want to ask Shah Rukh a question, or say something to him?

Rajni: He is an excellent actor. One thing I like about him is his integrity. He is very serious to promote our Indian sports, like hockey. Hats off to you. I saw that picture, Chak De. I will try to do that kind of a role, Shah Rukh.

Shah Rukh: Thank you sir. But I notice that you are just talking about my sports and not my acting. Anyway, God bless you and it is an honour and a wonderful thing to have you here in our midst.

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