Rajinikanth visited Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Saturday. Although the meeting took many by surprise, what has become the point of contention was Rajini touching the feet of Yogi Adityanath. The superstar in his gesture had bowed down and touched the chief minister’s feet and took his blessings. This video has gone viral, and ever since, has been receiving mixed reactions on social media.
Many argue that Rajinikanth’s gesture is a reflection of his personal beliefs and values. Since Yogi Adityanath is the Mahant of #Ghoraknath Mutt, the superstar touched his feet to seek his blessings. Many have pointed out that the actor is very spiritual, and as a part of his personal practice, he greeted the CM in his way. In fact, those who have found no fault in Rajini’s gesture said that it is common for Hindus to touch a spiritual leader’s feet. However, some questioned the rationale behind a 72 year-old touching feet of a 52 year-old (Yogi Adityanath).
Amid this debate, social media is quick to recall a scene from the 2018 film Kaala and draw comparisons between Rajinikanth’s reel and real life behaviour. In the Pa Ranjith directorial, Rajinikanth (as Kaala) refuses to allow a young girl to touch his feet, emphasising equality. Instead he asks her to just say simple namaste. This scene is at the centre of the raging debate as social media is drawing parallels between Rajini’s reel and real life attitude. And Rajini’s gesture had sparked off a huge debate.
