Chennai: Udhayanidhi Stalin, the grandson of DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi and the son of MK Stalin, on Monday said that he will actively work for the party.
He said he was not new to politics as he has actively participated in public meetings and campaigns since childhood.
Udhayanidhi is currently pursuing a career in the film industry and has a production and distribution company called Red Giant Movies.
Udhayanidhi told CNN-News18, "Campaigning during elections alone is not politics. I have been in politics since my childhood days. I have participated in campaigns along with my grandfather and father. I have started speaking in DMK's public meetings. I will actively participate in party's public events.”
“I'm not using cinemas as a platform for political messages. DMK does not publicity through my films,” he added.
In Tamil Nadu, politics and the film industry have a close relationship, with Kollywood supplying a number of politicians. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are the latest film stars to cross over to the political arena.
“I don't aim to get a post in the party. I don't need a post in the DMK to work for the party. I'm not yet ready for a bigger role as there are many seniors in the party. I will propagate party's ideologies to the people of Tamil Nadu," Udhayanidhi said.
When asked about Rajinikanth's 'spiritual' politics, he said: "I don't know what spiritual politics mean. I welcome both Rajini and Kamal's political innings. But whether the need comes where I have to campaign against them, I will take a call then."
"Only people can decide whether DMK's vote will be split because of Rajinikanth's political entry," he added.
He also indirectly attacked the BJP, "The party that got lesser votes than NOTA is not a threat." In the recently concluded RK Nagar bypoll, the BJP candidate lost his deposit after polling less votes than NOTA.
His childhood friend Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who is now an MLA, told CNN-News18 "We belong to the third generation of the party and our friendship and our journey have been similar. Thalapathi used to ask me to convey messages to Udhayanidhi and I have been very close to the family.”
“When Stalin used to go on a state-wide tour, Udhayanidhi and I used to travel along and understand what people's problems are. He is always frank and used to give suggestions to his father and his grandfather on the party's strategies. He and I used to campaign at thousand lights constituency in 1996. In 2016, he campaigned for me," he added.
"He didn't want to mix cinema and politics. I used to tell him that is impossible considering your family background. For his movie's audio launch, he never invited his dad as it may turn political," he said.
Udhayanidhi produced 'Kuruvi' starring Vijay and Trisha in 2008. The production company also had many blockbusters. He also made a special appearance in the film 'Aadhavan'. His first film as an actor was 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' for which he got the Best Male Debut-South Filmfare Award. He has acted in 10 films so far and is currently busy shooting for two more films.
(With inputs from Anandakumar)
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