Fans celebrate Superstar Rajinikanth’s 68th birthday
Chennai, Dec 12: Superstar Rajinikanth's fans celebrated the 68th birthday of their matinee idol on Wednesday by cutting a giant cake and creating a special wishing wall for their Thalaivar.
Rajinikanth, who is riding high on the success of "2.0", is currently in Mumbai to attend the wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal.
With their star away and keeping in mind the sentiments of the people, who braved the cyclonic storm 'Gaja', the birthday celebration this year was a subdued affair.
Among those who extended their greetings to the actor-politician were DMK president M K Stalin, Tamil Nadu presidents of BJP and Congress, Tamilisai Soundararajan and Su Thirunavukkarasar respectively and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth's "2.0" co-star Akshay Kumar, directors Shankar, A R Murugadoss, Malayalam top star Mohanlal and his contemporary Kamal Haasan took to twitter to wish Rajinikanth good health on his birthday.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar posted a picture of his with the actor and tweeted, "Many many happy returns of the day Thalaiva. Wishing you a healthy and blessed year ahead, @Rajinikanth Sir. #HappyBirthdayThalaiva."
P S Ashok of Rajini Makkal Mandram told PTI that they participated in social welfare activities such as opening savings accounts in post office for underprivileged girl children and depositing (initial) money in them.
He said they avoided grand celebrations in view of the recent cyclone and its adverse effect.
"A special commemorative postage stamp (under 'My Stamp' scheme of special postage) was released," he said.
Fans also offered prayers in temples, and held 'pour-in your personalised wishes,' session by decking up a special birthday wall in the city.
At midnight, several of his fans gathered at a hall here to cut a giant cake which had the numerals '69,' to symbolise their beloved star entry into the year.
"The release of 'Petta' teaser featuring Rajinikanth in super stylish look is no doubt a bonus on thalaivar's birthday," S Saravana, a fan said.
"Petta" is set to be released in January 2019, coinciding with Pongal festival.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in a Marathi family that settled down in Karnataka, the actor was christened Rajinikanth by legendary Tamil film director K Balachander. Rajinikanth made his acting debut with Balachander's in 1975 feature "Apoorva Raagangal".
The actor has been away from the city on previous birthdays as well, preferring a quiet celebration with family and friends.
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If Rohit is not playing in first Test, Bumrah should captain India for entire Aus tour: Gavaskar
New Delhi: The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Monday said that if India captain Rohit Sharma is not playing in the first Test against Australia in the upcoming marquee series, then Jasprit Bumrah should lead the side for the entire tour Down Under.
He said Rohit, whenever he comes in, should participate in the series only as a player.
The Australia tour for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 in Perth, and Rohit is likely to miss the first match as his wife is expecting their second child. He is expected to join the team from the second game of the series.
Rohit is, however, not sure about the schedule yet.
In the absence of Rohit, Bumrah is likely to captain the team in Perth.
"It is important for the captain to play the first Test match. It's different if he is injured, but if he is not available, then the deputy leader will be under a lot of pressure," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.
"I have been reading that Rohit Sharma might not play the first two Tests of the Australia series. I feel that, in that case the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah the captain of the side for the entire Australia tour, and tell Rohit Sharma that you will participate as a player in this series. For the first Test match, Rohit Sharma has to be there."
Rohit has been in terrible form of late as he has scored less than 100 runs in the three Tests against New Zealand at home.
The Indian team needs four wins from the five Tests in Australia to qualify for the World Test Championship Final.
Gavaskar said India cannot qualify for the WTC final from here.
"No, I don't. I actually dont. India cannot beat Australia 4-0 in the Test series. I'd be very, very I'd be over the moon. If they do that, I would be over the moon if they do that. But 4-0.
"India can win 3-1, 4-0 is... don't talk about the World Test Championship final. Now just focus on trying to win the series in Australia. Never mind whether you win 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, 2-1. But go and win. Because that is how all of us Indian cricket fans are going to be back to feeling good again," Gavaskar said.
Asked if the clock is ticking for Rohit and Virat Kohli, he said, "It's ticking for everybody. It's not just them. But, because they are in their 30s, mid-30s, it will be tougher for them than the guys in the early 20s or early 30s.
"But the clock is ticking for everybody. Which is why I say, the more you are playing, the more you will be prepared to meet the demands of modern-day cricket.
"Totally understandable . This is one of those rare series where both of them have not been able to score runs. Don't forget, Kohli got a 70 in the second innings in Bengaluru. It's just one of those rarities where both these stalwarts have not been able to make significant contributions," he added.
He said a bad patch happens with everyone and how the player comes back from that phase will tell how good he is.
"What we are going to see in Australia is really going to be interesting. What we are going to see in Australia will determine the future of the Test team.
"Definitely yes. If they don't score runs in Australia, there will be a clamour for a new-look Indian team to start from the tour of England," he added.
Asked to review Gautam Gambhir's brief stint as the head coach, Gavaskar said the numbers tell the story.
"The results speak for themselves. Even in Sri Lanka, India lost an ODI series after a long time. And now here, it's a loss, it's a terrible loss. So, I think the results speak for themselves," he said.
