Tiruchirapalli

Kamal Haasan said he had close childhood interactions with late leaders M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, but never used those associations for political gain, in an apparent swipe at Vijay.

Campaigning for Inigo S. Irudayaraj in Tiruchirappalli East, the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief said that, like Vijay, he too entered cinema at a young age and knew many major stars, but never exploited those connections.

Haasan remarked that as a child he had sat on the laps of M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, yet chose not to take advantage of it. He also added that MGR had great affection for him.

The remarks were seen as a response to Vijay’s recent campaign visit in which he stopped at an MGR statue for a photo opportunity, amid attempts to project himself as MGR’s political heir.

Haasan urged voters to support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and vote for its “Rising Sun” symbol. He also encouraged people to educate younger generations about the party’s history and origins.

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Referring to Vijay’s reputation for drawing large crowds, Haasan said his own recent rally in Coimbatore had attracted around 1.5 lakh participants.