Who is bigger, Rajini or Amitabh?

Friday, June 15, 2007
There is no parameter to measure the greatness of artistes but this doesn't stop people from measuring their favourite stars. The release of superstar Rajinikanth's magnum opus Shivaji - The Boss has thrown up a big question. And the question is - who is the biggest star of the country, Rajini or Amitabh? This is the hottest debate in the country at the moment.

Well, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are like demigods in India. Many may argue that both of them are superstars in their own rights and that comparing such personalities is unfair but the people in the other side of the world have different view. They want to know the best, and they want their favourite actor to be the best. So, it's worth looking at the facts about the actors and retrospect.

Amitabh Bachchan has been ruling Bollywood for years together and he looks strong even at 64. From his debut film Saat Hindustani to Sholay to latest release Nishabd, Amitabh has proved his versatility as an actor. His stint in television was also a big success. In fact, there is no need to highlight his works, as everybody in the country knows every little bit of him.

Rajinikanth is no doubt the king of south Indian cinema. People simply go mad over him and his films though his 58th birthday is drawing near. He climbed the ladders consistently since his debut film Apoorva Raagangal to Muthu to Basha to the latest release Shivaji. His fans make feast out of his style and dialogues. Interestingly, Amitabh and Rajini acted together in films like Andha Kanoon, Geraftaar and Hum but pointing out the better actor among the two is a herculean task.

However, media in the country irrespective of print media, portal and television, has been trying to find out the bigger actor of the two, with Rajinikanth's Shivaji getting the attention of the people like never before. Headlines Today television conducted a poll as to who among the two actors is the Boss of Indian cinema. The result is, 82 percent of the voters favoured Rajinikanth while 18 percent thinks Amitabh is the best. The other facts about the actors are - Amitabh does 7 to 8 films in a year on an average while Rajinikanth does 1 film in two years. It is said that Rajini is paid between Rs.16 crore to Rs.35 crore per film while Amitabh is paid Rs.3 crores per film. In fact, Rajini is the second highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan. It is also said that Amitabh has 20 registered fan clubs while Rajini is said to have a whooping 63,000 fan clubs across the globe.

Statistics tells one thing and the concerned actors tell another. Rajinikanth don't want to be compared with Amitabh. "Comparison with Amitabh disturbs me. He is my idol, an inspiration," said the superstar. He also added that Amitabh is an emperor while he is only a king. He however said that he is happy with the way Shivaji has shaped up and is hopeful that the people enjoy it. Amitabh Bachchan too is all praise for Rajini. He said that Rajini is a great actor and a good human being, who has reached the top position from a modest family. He added that no actor in the country could reach the height Rajini has scaled.

Comparing these two incredible personalities of the country would be like comparing mango and apple. They are two different personalities coming from different backgrounds. Like great people always do, Amitabh seems to have given the best definition if Rajini - 'a good human being'. Yes, Rajini is known for his simplicity. Amitabh cares about his looks and behaviour on and off screen but Rajini is not so. Rajini is an actor in front of the camera but off it, he is himself and don't even care to cover his bald head. Maybe his upbringing from a modest family, his early career as a bus conductor and love from fans have made him so humble.

Well, calling Amitabh as his idol, an inspiration and giving the title emperor to his competitor tell more than word could explain. In fact, it has brought out the real Rajini. He is a simple human being with a big heart. This is why love him. This is why people hail him as the only superstar of the country. Perhaps Shivaji will bring more laurels to him and make him the undisputed superstar of the country and the world!