From doctors at Chennai’s Sri Ramachandra Hospital to thousands of ardent fans and Bollywood celebrities, everyone is offering their prayers for the speedy recovery of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, 61.
Rajini, who was last seen in the 2010 blockbuster Endhiran/Robot, fell ill on May 13, with recurrent respiratory infection and gastro-intestinal problems.
On Thursday, his wife Latha clarified that the star is on the path to recovery; however, for the actor’s friends in Bollywood, the time is fraught with tension and prayer. “All lovers of Rajnikanth ... it has been disturbing to learn of his hospitalisation. I have spoken to him and been in touch with wife. Rajinikanth is improving gradually, she informs me, today by sms. We hope and pray that he recovers as soon as possible (sic),” tweeted actor Amitabh Bachchan. “I’m a huge fan of Rajini sir and I am really praying for him to get well. He’s a phenomenon and still so humble. It’s no wonder half the world is praying for him,” says filmmaker Farah Khan. “Hoping he gets well soon. Rajini sir is the embodiment of a legend,” says celebrity photographer Atul Kasbekar.
It’s not just in South India that fans have been organising special pujas — his followers in Delhi, too, are hard at prayer. “I’ve been keeping a tab on every update that’s coming from the Chennai hospital. I also offered prayers for his recovery at the local temple. With so many people’s wishes, I’m sure he will be okay,” says 26-year-old graphic artist Karthik Jairaman. “Since the news of his ill health broke, everyone in my family has offered prasad for his recovery at the temple in our locality,” says 23-year-old student, Divya Iyer.
Keeping the faith in Rajini
Earlier this week, in the town of Hosur, Tamil Nadu, over 50 Rajinikanth fans got together and ate rice off the floor as part of the Mann Soru ritual. Held at the Kalikamba temple, the prayer was conducted to ensure the speedy recovery of the actor. On Thursday, several fan clubs got together to pray at the Mahim Ganpati temple in Mumbai.
