Simbu skirts Rajini imitation issue

By: Settu Shankar
Monday, June 18, 2007
Simbu has refused to comment anything negative about a dialogue in Shivaji which is said to be targeted at him for imitating superstar's style and his punch dialogues.

In Shivaji, the hero Rajini tries to use some punch dialogues on the villain before a fight with him. At that time comedian Vivek suddenly interferes and tell him : "Shivaji, hereafter please don't try to deliver any punch dialogues. Nowadays, many young lads are often using the so called punch dialogues in their films. For a person of your caliber, it appears very cheap, and hereafter I will manage the baddies with the punch dialogues instead of you...''

One might recall that Simbu put a title before his name as the 'Little Super Star' and always uses Rajini mannerisms in a vain attempt to win over fans. Though it has invited scathing criticism from many quarters, Simbu never really appeared bothered about that. Many think that Vivek indirectly tried commenting on the young actor only in that particular scene.

Meanwhile, Simbu gave his reaction to the dialogue in the film yesterday. He said: 'First of all I would like to clarify a thing. I'm an ardent fan of superstar Rajini. I have grown with his films and admire him a lot because of his unique style. I have always watched his movies on the first day's first show in the front seat. He is an inspiration to many actors like me. I can say that no young actor can perform in films without the stamp of Rajini on him. I have watched the movie Shivaji at Theni. I don't think that Vivek's dialogue is targeting me only. Nowadays, everybody is trying to use the Rajini style and punch dialogues, including Rajini sir's son in-law Dhanush! Vivek is one of my best friends in the industry. I don't think he has targeted me. Even if he has done so, I don't really mind... But I really liked the style and excellent performance of the superstar in Shivaji...