Star Alliance in the Works? Kamal Haasan Calls on Rajinikanth in Chennai

Chennai: Ahead of the launch of his political party, Kamal Haasan met Rajinikanth at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai on Sunday.

The meeting came amid speculation that the two actors-turned-politicians could join hands and form a star alliance to take on the established political parties in Tamil Nadu.

Haasan, however, tried to downplay the talk of an alliance happening anytime soon. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that it was a courtesy call and not a political meeting. “I came to inform him about my political tour. He wished me good luck,” Haasan said. Asked whether the two would join hands, he answered only time will tell.

The 63-year-old is set to unveil his political party's name and go on a state-wide tour on February 21, and he invited Rajinikanth to join him on the tour.

Rajinikanth also spoke to the media following the visit and confirmed that he had received an invitation from Haasan to join the political trip. But he did not say if he would.

“Kamal has not entered politics for fame or money and it was only to serve people of the state. Kamal wants to serve the people and I will pray to god that he will attain success,” Rajinikanth said.

When asked if an alliance was on the cards, he said, "My style and his are different even in movies."

The two have a really old relationship and have acted in several films together in the past four decades. They share a good personal relationship, which has given rise to rumours that it could translate to a political one too.

Earlier in the month, Haasan had said that an alliance with Rajinikanth is unlikely, but something to ponder about. During an address at Harvard University in the United States, the 63-year-old had said he hoped Rajinikanth’s “colour is not saffron”.

“Our approach is different... His (Rajinikanth’s) very first announcements came in a particular hue. I hope it is not saffron,” Haasan had said.

He added that both he and Rajinikanth needed to contemplate if it was necessary for them to join hands and face the election. "Rajini sir, to this question had said that only time will give an answer and I had seconded that view. Truly, only time will answer," he said.