There is no plausible estimate on his brand value and his legions of fans aren’t confined by geography or numeric. Rajinikanth has earned himself a demigod status even in countries like Japan. So, a suggestion to wax this legend at one of the world’s most iconic museums, Madame Tussauds is only natural. After Enthiran’s record-breaking outing, fans in the state and those who consider him Tamil Nadu’s pride are lobbying for the installation, so that the world can touch, feel and experience the enigma called Rajini, even if it only means feeling up wax. Actor Arya agrees and nods, “It is high time we have our Rajini sir at Tussauds. He has inspired generations of people and taught many people the art of giving and chivalry. He is world-famous and his not being there for so long begs an answer.” He also adds, “I would love to see Rajini sir immortalised in his inimitable cigarette-flicking pose.”
Alongside stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, should be a man who has cut across cultures and language barriers to rise up to be the highest paid actor in all of India, say members of his fans associations. With more than 50,000 fan clubs celebrating the star and thousands of websites dedicated to this matinee idol he might not need a mould and a wax to do the talking, but the statue will go a long way in conveying to the world that — India is made up of different regions and stars even from the South can rise to iconic status globally.
But those who know Rajinikanth personally say his on-screen persona is far from his humble being in real life. RJ Dheena, says, “I think it is Rajinikanth’s off-screen persona that is more inspiring than his on-screen one. Rajinikanth should be captured just the way he looks now, with his white beard, baldhead, black kurta and white veshti.” The RJ likes the superstar’s off-screen look because he believes that it reflects the quintessential Rajinikanth. “Rajinikanth is a simple and unassuming person. His off-screen persona is what is most genuine.”
Arvind K., an 18-year-old student says, “I would love to see the statue do the Baba hand sign.” But if the statue were to pay homage to one of the actor’s best-remembered roles, which one would it be? Actress Anuja Iyer, quips, “Alex Pandian in Moondru Mugam.” The Unnaipol Oruvan actress, says, “Rajinikanth has had a career that’s lasted nearly four decades and still going strong. Rajinikanth’s statue must have a pair of sunglasses in its hand.”
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