By Meera Badmanaban
And so the excitement heightens for all Rajinikanth fans. “Kabali” is expected to be released this week, on July 22.
We almost cannot bear the wait for the movie to hit the cinemas.
It is Rajini’s first movie where a substantial portion has been shot in our very own beloved Malaysia.
A unique opportunity to see the KL skyline; the Twin Towers; Batu Caves; Malacca; the estates (what’s left of them), immortalised on film.
Only a true blue Rajini fan will understand that tingly feeling of sweet anticipation.
This man is a living legend, and four to five generations have now been spellbound by his acting and personal charisma, both on and off the screen.
I love the way he laughs … that loud booming sound. His face and body have naturally aged; but that laugh — it’s still there.
Can’t wait for it to thunder and rumble out in “Kabali”. And the smile!
As for me, I will never forget the day I met him in Chennai, India, when I was just 12, and then four decades later in Kuala Lumpur when he was here for the shooting of “Kabali” in 2015.
He is still the same handsome, humble man despite his phenomenal success.
I did the unthinkable recently in KL when, in a moment of madness, I bolted past his bodyguards (nasty men) who tried to stop me.
It was a spur of the moment thing; with no thought whatsoever of consequences.
One burly bodyguard held me a bit too forcefully when I tried to run past him. I never thought I would ever be deemed a security threat to anyone, but perhaps I looked frightening to him.
I shouted as loudly as I could: “Don’t touch me!”
Hearing the commotion, Thalaiva (the nickname his fans refer to him as) turned and coolly assessed the situation. He was very calm. Just like in the movies.
He was the perfect gentleman and immediately asked them to leave me alone.
Time just froze for me.
He then looked at me patiently, waiting for an explanation from this crazy, (almost) middle-aged woman who now stood before him.
I could touch his face; I was that close.
Camera completely forgotten and tongue totally tied; I managed to mumble that I had been his fan for four decades.
He smiled simply and said: “Oh, is it?”
Then I gathered my courage and asked: “Please sir, can I hug you?”
He smiled simply and said: “Why not?”
I then pounced on him and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back. A good, solid hug. One that I will never forget.
These are some of the moments in your life that you will remember forever.
And what makes this man an icon.
What a gentleman!
Thalaiva!
Meera Badmanaban is an FMT reader
With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.