Rajinikanth clarifies why he touched UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s feet: ‘It is my habit to…’

Actor Rajinikanth, who faced backlash for touching Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s feet recently, has now explained that it is his habit to touch the feet of Yogis or Sanyasis.

Rajinikanth reached Chennai on August 21 after travelling for the last few days. He briefly interacted with media persons outside the airport. When asked about his reaction to the row around touching the feet of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajinikanth said that he did that gesture out of respect.

‘It is my habit to touch the feet of Yogis or Sanyasis and take their blessings, even if they are younger than me. I have done that only,’ ANI quoted him as saying.

Rajinikanth recently met the UP CM at his residence in Lucknow. Several videos and pictures of the duo were shared on social media platforms.

According to news agency PTI, Rajinikanth also thanked the people for making his latest movie Jailer a ‘grand success’. During his visit to Uttar Pradesh, Rajinikanth also organised a special screening of his film Jailer which was attended by UP deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. He also met Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at his residence.

Rajinikanth's ‘Jailer’ has been doing extremely well at the box office. The film, within 11 days of its release, earned ₹5 billion at the global box office.

Sharing the update, trade analyst Ramesh Bala took to X, and stated that Jailer has crossed ‘over ₹500 crore ( ₹5 billion) gross mask at the at the WW [Worldwide] box office….2nd movie for superstar Rajinikanth in the ₹500 crore club after 2.0.’

‘Jailer’ also stars Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal, Shivrajkumar, and Kishore in cameos.

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