Rajinikanth’s Raghavendra Mandapam in Chennai is back in the spotlight after reports suggested that the iconic venue could be transformed into a three-star hotel. The reports have also brought an old video of the Superstar back into discussion, in which he spoke about the future of the property and promised that its earnings would eventually benefit the people of Tamil Nadu. However, there is no official confirmation yet on whether the entire property will be converted into a hotel or whether the reports refer only to a part of the premises.
Rajinikanth once promised Raghavendra Mandapam earnings for fans
In the resurfaced old video, Rajinikanth spoke about what he planned to do with the approximately one-and-a-quarter-acre property. He said he had transferred Raghavendra Mandapam in his name to the Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust and had also included the decision in his will. “After my life, this whole property will go to the Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust,” he said. Rajinikanth then made a promise that continues to attract attention. “Each and every paisa will go to the people of Tamil Nadu who made me live. Not even a paisa will go to our family,” he said, explaining that the property was his way of giving back to the people who supported his career.
Rajinikanth remembered fans who bought tickets for his films
Rajinikanth also connected the decision to the love he had received from his fans over the years. He recalled how people had bought tickets to watch his films even when ticket prices were only a few rupees. He said that although he could change his will at any time, he could not change a promise made publicly. “When we want to do something good, we should do it immediately,” the actor said. He also recalled discussing the decision with his wife Latha and family before handing over the will and property documents to his brother-in-law Varadacharya. The mandapam has remained closely linked with Rajinikanth’s fan activities and several major moments in his public life.
Raghavendra Mandapam’s future sparks fresh interest
The latest reports have now given fresh attention to the property’s future. Raghavendra Mandapam has been an important meeting place for Rajinikanth and his fans since its opening in 1989. A recent report from Cinema Vikatan said there were plans or discussions about developing a three-star hotel at the site. In contrast, other reports noted that the exact nature of the proposed transformation was still unclear. For now, the old video has added another layer to the discussion, reminding fans of Rajinikanth’s earlier promise about how the property’s future earnings would be used.On the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen in ‘Jailer 2’, which Nelson Dilipkumar directs, and the film is announced to release in theatres on October 15. The superstar actor has also committed to ‘Dharman’ with Ashwath Marimuthu, and the film recently wrapped up its third schedule of filming.
