Is there anything that Rajnikanth can’t do? The last quip I heard was that Adele’s song “Set Fire to the Rain” was written for Rajnikanth. However, on a serious note: do you now see why all our latest bollywood films have started following the South template; with Aamir Khan having recreated Ghajini, Salman Khan doing the impossible in Dabangg and Shahrukh Khan, well, he has already caught the Chennai Express.

Many people have been bowled over by the fact that Rajnikanth is the most popular film actor. The ones who cheer at the famous Rajnikanth appearance shot a view of his shoes first and then upward, are not always aware of why they get so excited; but, the ones who find it hard to believe that there are human beings around them, who actually like such ridiculous entertainment. Yet, everyone has their own way of dealing with shocks; so, the English-speaking types find refuge from the Rajni hysteria by cracking jokes.

Not everyone has seen the entire range of cinema he had to offer before he became Mr. Impossible. It was during the 90’s that Rajnikanth was able do everything, before which he was suitably humbled. Still, the question that has bothered me for a very long time is how an impoverished youngster who at one time served the society as a coolie and even as a bus conductor, ended up ruling an entire film industry without feeling embarrassed about the way he is demeaned today for his stardom.

I found my answer finally in an interview done with Peter Townshend by the Rolling Stone magazine. When one of the greatest guitarists in rock history was asked about stardom, he replied: “I tend to use my defects and vulnerabilities to provide reflective catharsis for my audience.” However, to understand what he was saying, took me another week but truly the answer lies therein. Thanks to Rajni’s stardom we the audience, get a chance to reflect on how we have become hypocrites in our pursuit of intelligence.

Happy Birthday Mr. Possible.