When Rajinikanth Opened Up About His Addiction To Cigarettes And Alcohol

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has been happily married to Latha for more than four decades now. The couple got married on February 26, 1981 in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati and are proud parents of two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya Rajinikanth. Reportedly, the Jailer actor met college student Latha Rangachari on a film set. Latha came to take an interview with Rajinikanth, and during the conversation, the two felt a romantic spark.

Having said that, the Vettaiyan actor previously opened up about his addiction to alcohol and smoking, and how his wife changed his bad lifestyle choices for the better.

On the 50th-day celebrations of actor and dramatist YG Mahendran’s play Charukesi, the star was invited as the chief guest. At the event, Rajinikanth was all praise for his wife Latha. Rajinikanth expressed gratitude to YG Mahendran for introducing him to his now-wife Latha. He said, “I am forever indebted to Y Gee Mahendran for introducing my wife, Latha, to me.”

The 73-year-old actor further shared about his addiction to cigarettes and alcohol consumption back then, along with the urge to consume two non-vegetarian meals each day. “When I was a conductor, I’d drink every day, and there was no count of how many cigarettes I’d smoke every day. I would start the day with non-veg and will at least have non-veg meals twice a day. I’d feel bad seeing all the vegetarians. But these three are a deadly combination,” he added.

The South superstar further stated, “According to me, those who consume these three for a longer period of time do not lead a healthy life after 60. In fact, it was my wife, Latha, who changed me by showering me with love. She made me lead a disciplined life.” In addition to that, the celebrated actor urged the audience seated at the venue to quit smoking and drinking for their own good.

On the professional front, Rajinikanth is roped in for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s next film, Coolie. Produced under the banner of Sun Pictures, the film also stars Nagarjuna Akkineni and Sivakarthikeyan in pivotal roles, and it is expected to release by 2025. The actor will then reprise his role in the sequel Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Other projects in his pipeline include Atlee’s directorial starring Salman Khan, Rajinikanth and Tara Sutaria.