I am writing in response to the article by Vedosh titled 'SWEETS FOR RAJINI'S RETURN WHEN MUMBAI IS BURNING?'

Let me begin by applauding Vedosh for being vocal with his thoughts. The Mumbai episode has rocked the nation and the fabric of the Indian society has been blood-stained once again. The celebrations thrown in for Rajini's return may be the appropriate thing to do, but the timing was bad.

Cinema fans, particularly Indian cinema fans are an emotional lot, sometimes too emotional bereft of reasoning. They fail to see beyond the human side of actors and deify them as demi-gods. I don't think there is any other country where one could see as many actor-turned-politicians as one would see in India. Fans should also realize that actors feed on this deification to pursue their political agenda. From MGR and NTR to Vijaykanth and Sarathkumar, we see it happen again and again. 

Well, it isn't a crime to be politically ambitious, but actors are first and foremost citizens, and they should be responsible as citizens. In that respect, it is disheartening to see the much-loved Rajinikanth allowing such celebrations in his name to be held at a time when the nation is reeling from the aftermaths of the bombings in Mumbai. Rajini should know better and maybe he does, but he isn't seen to be doing the right thing in this case.

We all agree that he is just back on his feet after a serious bout of illness. As a celebrity, it is natural that he gets the kind of welcome that he got when he returned to Chennai. What leaves a bad taste in one's mouth is his silence, which seems to indicate that he is basking in the glorious welcome and has allowed himself to be blinded to the nation's suffering.

Celebrities should realize that their lives are literally public domain. Their words, actions and silence influence the way their fans think and behave. In fact, they should be the first to raise their voices in support of any cause that affects the nation. Their voices will be heard and heeded.

In the mid-sixties, the late Nadigar Thilagam invited the late Kamarajar to view the movie 'Ratha Thilagam' in which Mr Sivaji played a soldier. After watching the movie, Kamarajar told Sivaji, "What we (politicians) have been trying to convey for three years, you have done it in three hours." The leader was talking about patriotism. Such is the impact that film personalities have over the masses.

I do hope Rajini would very soon make amends for his carelessness and advise his fans not to be blinded by emotions and indulge in unwise behavior. With the huge following he has, I am surprised that he hasn't harnessed that mass power into something more socially productive. Perhaps he should have a chat with his dearest friend, Kamalhassan and even Suriya on the subject. With the kind of money he makes, he should start giving back to society.

Meanwhile, let him also recover fully and get back into action whenever he is ready.