The recent buzz in the B town is that Bachchan saab will add his presence to Rajinikanth's next flick 'Rana'. The film will have super stardom with Rajinikanth playing three roles and have the towering Big B to add to its power.
The two have given big hits in the past in films like Andha Kanoon, Geraftaar and Hum. Meanwhile, the fact that Rajinikanth's earlier year hits are unabashed remakes of Amitabh Bachchan is not a secret. But this get-together of the biggest stars of the North and the South spurts one vital question in the minds of the fans – who is the King of the entertainment industry of India?
Well, Rajinikanth, known as the Thalaivar or the chief, and Big B are like demigods in India. Many argue that the two are superstars in their own rights and comparing them will be unfair. But there is definitely no harm to find out who rules India's hearts.
The soon-to-be Grandpa has been ruling Bollywood for years and is now looking strong even at 64. From his debut film Saat Hindustani to his latest release, he has proved that he is a versatile actor. In fact, there is no need to highlight his works, as everybody in the country knows every little thing about him.
Rajinikanth, on the other hand, is no doubt the king of south Indian cinema. People simply go mad over him and his films. He has been climbing the ladders of success consistently since his debut film Apoorva Raagangal. His style and dialogues have become a fest for his fans.
There is no doubt that comparing the two will be a herculean task. A recent poll conducted by a television channel showed that 82 percent of the voters favoured Rajinikanth to be the King of Indian hearts as opposed to the 18 percent who think Amitabh is the best. .
If we compare the work that the two do – Amitabh does 7 to 8 films in a year on an average while Rajinikanth does 1 film in two years. Rajinikanth charges a huge price of 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. Another fact to point out is that Amitabh has 20 registered fan clubs while Rajini is said to have a whooping 63,000 fan clubs across the globe. Big B endorses multiple brands while Rajinikanth does not endorse any. This limits the exposure of 'brand Rajinikanth' to Amitabh making him among the most elusive of movie stars to the general public. This makes him a more 'enigmatic' brand as compared Bachchan whose exposure levels today, have peaked.
Statistics clearly go in favour of Rajinikanth. However, the concerned actors beg to differ. Rajinikanth does not 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. Amitabh Bachchan too is all praise for the South Indian star. He said that Rajini is a great actor and a good human being, who has reached the top position from a modest family. According to Mr. Bachchan, no actor in the country could reach the height Rajini has scaled.
Amitabh Bachchan cares about his looks and behaviour on and off screen but Rajini does not. Rajini is an actor in front of the camera but off it, he is himself and doesn't even care to cover his bald head.
Let's look at what is in store for the two great actors…
Big B's astrological chart predicts … He has a cusp of Mercury, Moon and the Sun which provides him with the strength to do unthinkable things. It is a good period for him at the career front. He is going through Ketu's dasa from January 2007 to January 2014. He will be busy acting in films throughout this period. Jupiter will be on his side and will help him come up with another unforgettable hit. The fortunate period will last up to September 2011. Saturn aspecting Ketu from the star of Moon will prompt him to take rest and work "behind" the screen as well. He may need medical attendance at this point of time. From the above analysis it seems that Mr. Bachchan is going to have a very good period till September 2011.
The Padma Bhushan Awardee Rajinikanth's vedic astrology birth chart shows enormous success in financial and professional matters. During the period of March 2010 to September 2011, Rajinikanth will face severe health issues. However, he will have some relief.
Hence, both the stars have a great time as far as career is concerned.
As for the comparison of who will rule the Indian entertainment industry, statistics are clearly in favour of the South Indian king. However, the zeal and enthusiasm with which the soon to be granddad Amitabh Bachchan is working, his future doesn't seem to be bleak at all. At best, one can easily predict that the two stars will together rule the heart of India.