Prayer for the actor: Rajinikanth

Patna, May 27: Superstar Rajinikanth, who was hospitalised in Chennai with respiratory problems, is being taken to Singapore tonight for further treatment and the news has sent the stars into a tizzy.

Ravi Kissen, who is shooting in Motihari for a Bhojpuri film, Pratibandh, was shocked to hear the latest development. Requesting the director to stop shooting for a while, a visibly disturbed Kissen told The Telegraph: “This is really bad news. I have high regards for Rajinikanthji, I have been watching his films for a long time. My wife and children also love his films. I always try to copy his acting style in my Bhojpuri films but I don’t succeed. A few days back we heard he was fine. I really don’t understand what is happening now.”

The actor added: “I had met him during the shooting of his film, Robot, in Hyderabad. I was shooting with Shyam Benegal at the same studio. He had called me to his vanity van and spoke in fluent Hindi. He is a great human being. I am worried about his health.”

Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra also expressed concern. “I know Rajinikanthji personally, as I have met him several times during shooting in Hyderabad. I am praying for his speedy recovery. I met him the last time on a flight from Mumbai to Chennai. He is like my guru, as he has taught me so many things. I don’t have words to express my feelings and respect for him.”

She added: “I started to like his acting after watching Chaalbaaz — his acting was superb. It is incredible that he is still acting at this age and giving hits. I must say that no one in the film industry can match his sense of punctuality. If anybody asks me to describe him in one word I would say he is a god.”

Manoj Tiwari told The Telegraph over the phone from Mumbai: “I have never met Rajinikanth but this news is shocking. I guess he must be going to Singapore for better treatment. When I heard the news of his hospitalisation, I asked my friends in Chennai about his health. I am sure he will be back in India soon in good health.”