Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 4 (ANI): Veteran filmmaker KC Bokadia has opened up about his long-standing friendship with superstar Rajinikanth, recalling how the ‘Jailer’ actor offered him financial assistance during a difficult phase of his career.
Speaking to ANI, Bokadia recalled his close association with the superstar, revealing that Rajinikanth had not only been a dear friend but had also worked with him in several films.
Recalling how his family would often encourage him to approach Rajinikanth for professional assistance, Bokadia said, “He was a very close friend of mine. He did five movies. My family used to tell me every day, ‘Papa, you are being troubled unnecessarily. Tell Rajinikanth to make a film.”
The filmmaker then revealed that he received a call from Rajinikanth’s secretary, who informed him that the superstar wanted to meet him whenever he visited Chennai.
Recalling the warmth and affection with which he was welcomed, Bokadia said that the secretary even offered to visit him wherever he was staying.
Moved by the gesture, the filmmaker recalled, “See what a person’s grace is. If God is good to someone, he blesses that person. Rajinikanth ji’s secretary asked, ‘Where are you staying? We will come.’ I said, ‘Sir, I am staying with my sister.’ But he said, ‘It doesn’t matter; you send us the address.’”
Bokadia eventually went to meet Rajinikanth, and their reunion turned into an emotional moment. Recalling their embrace and the silence that followed, he said, “We hugged each other and practically both of us were silent for one or two minutes. We didn’t know who would start. He then asked, ‘Mr Bokadia, how are you? Is everything fine?’ I said, ‘Everything is fine, sir.’”
The filmmaker further revealed that Rajinikanth was aware of the difficulties he had been facing and immediately offered to extend financial assistance to him.
“You were a little worried. You didn’t tell me. Tell me what I can do. Your two films… two releases have stopped. I can give you Rs 1-2 crore,” Bokadia said.
However, Bokadia said he politely declined the financial assistance, responding, “I will not take money, sir.”
The two spent around 15-20 minutes together during the meeting and eventually discussed the possibility of working on a film together in the future.
Reflecting on the interaction, Bokadia said that although they did not pursue the financial offer any further, Rajinikanth’s concern, affection and willingness to help had left a lasting impression on him.
He also noted that several people had come into his life with similar gestures of kindness, but the superstar’s warmth and generosity remained a particularly memorable experience.
Rajinikanth and KC Bokadia have collaborated on films during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their filmography includes ‘Insaf Kaun Karega’, ‘Phool Bane Angaray’, ‘Tyagi’ and ‘Insaniyat Ka Devta’.
Rajinikanth, fondly known as Thalaivar among his fans, continues to enjoy a massive following across generations, with his contribution to Indian cinema spanning several decades. (ANI)
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