While some lauded the megastar for the achievement, others said the award being given just a week before the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections raises eyebrows
Rajinikanth. Pic/AFP
Megastar Rajinikanth will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution in 2019 to Indian cinema, announced Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday.
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Really happy that the jury unanimously chose the legendary @rajinikanth ji for the #DadaSahebPhalke award.
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 1, 2021
My all-time favourite movie of Thalaiva is the 1992 Tamil classic Annamalai. pic.twitter.com/LOVDm9K6qs
After the announcement congratulations galore for the superstar, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Popular across generations, a body of work few can boast of, diverse roles and an endearing personality...that’s Shri @rajinikanth Ji for you.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2021
It is a matter of immense joy that Thalaiva has been conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Congratulations to him.
Twitter users also lauded the superstar for the feat. " Congratulations Respected Rajnikanth sir on being conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. You should deserve that (sic)," posted one. "U deserve it lots of congratulations (sic)", wrote another.
Much Appreciative , Our Shri Rajnikanth Ji.
— Venkatesapalani Thangavelu (@Ven070670) April 1, 2021
Hearty Congrats to you,our Shri Rajnikanth Ji on being conferred Dadasaheb Phalke award.
Salute to Our PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's multifaceted charismatic leadership that endorses & encourages best works at various domains.
Congratulations to legendary actor, Thiru Rajnikanth who has been conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke awards.
— Gurdev Sharma Debi (@DebiGurdev) April 1, 2021
India cherishes his work and adores him for making many wonderful films for the cinematic world. His contribution to films has been exceptional and truly remarkable. pic.twitter.com/GsPrltJZX3
Congratulations #Rajnikanth... The one and only #Thalaivaa for prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. @AjayKadu10 @suhassatwadhar @AdvUmeshYadav @DeepaliPatil85 @AdvUmeshYadav @ankushchavan pic.twitter.com/7YmtvJBleX
— रavindra रaut (@ravindrapraut) April 1, 2021
The superstar also posted on the micro-blogging website and thanked the Government of India for conferring this award to him.
My heartfelt thanks to the government of india, respected & dearest @narendramodi ji, @PrakashJavdekar ji and the jury for conferring upon me the prestigious #DadasahebPhalkeAward I sincerely dedicate it to all those who have been a part of my journey. Thanks to the almighty 🙏🏻
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 1, 2021
Some Twitter users, however, expressed their doubts over the timing of the move.
Timing of #Rajnikanth sir being confirmed #DadasahebPhalkeAward by #BJP led GOI just before #TamilNaduElections is interesting 🤔 @ECISVEEP
— #HappeningHyderabad (@TelanganaBest1) April 1, 2021
“In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way,” Franklin D Roosevelt. #Award #Rajnikanth #SuperstarGetsPhalkeAward
— Shanmugha Sundaram J (@shanmughamsjTOI) April 1, 2021
This was predicted yesterday 😛 even before the announcement #Rajnikanth https://t.co/3QOBuvpQf9
— Yogesh (@YogeshKD2228) April 1, 2021
Rajnikanth to be awarded Dadasaheb Phalke award.
— Deeksha Nitin Raut (@DeekshaNRaut) April 1, 2021
Won’t be surprised if they give him Bharat Ratna just to win this election!
PS: @ECISVEEP is this okay???
Thinking of pleasing him and his fans, giving away a prestigious award just before election in anticipation of ‘something’ is nothing but an insult to #Rajnikanth
— Diwakar (@ikamalfan) April 1, 2021
If you truly wanted to recognise him, this should have been planned at a different time#DadasahebPhalkeAward