The announcement of Dharman has generated tremendous excitement among Tamil cinema fans. The film not only marks Rajinikanth's next big-screen outing under director Ashwath Marimuthu, but also represents a historic collaboration, with Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International producing a Rajinikanth-starrer for the very first time.

Yet beyond the excitement surrounding Dharman lies a lesser-known story, one that reveals how a personal tragedy played a role in shaping one of Tamil cinema's most enduring friendships.

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have shared a bond that spans more than five decades. Their journey began on the sets of Apoorva Raagangal (1975), the film that introduced Rajinikanth to Tamil cinema under the direction of legendary filmmaker K. Balachander.

While Rajinikanth was making his debut, Kamal was already an established star. Despite their different positions in the industry at the time, the two actors quickly formed a close friendship that has stood the test of time.

However, Kamal recently revealed that their bond was forged during one of the most painful periods of his life. Speaking in an earlier interview, Kamal recalled the loss of his dear friend Govindarajan, whom he considered family.

"I had a very close friend named Govindarajan. We used to call him 'Govinda Haasan' because he was like a brother to me," Kamal shared.

The actor revealed that Govindarajan was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, leaving him devastated.

"I was too young then and didn't know how to process it. That was the first time I truly understood that death is a part of life," he said.

At the time, Kamal was shooting Apoorva Raagangal, unaware that fate was about to connect two important people in his life.

During one of his treatment periods, Govindarajan expressed a wish to visit a film set. Kamal invited him to the shoot of Apoorva Raagangal, where he met a young aspiring actor named Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, the man the world would later know as Rajinikanth.

"I think I saw my friend in Rajini. And that bond has stayed with me ever since."- Kamal Haasan

Interestingly, Rajinikanth's appearance in the film was influenced by Govindarajan himself. Kamal revealed that his friend sported a distinctive French beard, and after discussions with the makeup team, a similar look was created for Rajinikanth's character.

"My friend liked Rajini's style and asked about the role he was playing. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him that the character was also suffering from cancer," Kamal recalled.

As time passed, Kamal found himself growing emotionally attached to Rajinikanth. The reason was simple yet deeply moving.

"Somehow, all the emotions I had turned into affection for Rajini. I think I superimposed my friend's image onto him. And it stayed," Kamal said.

What began as a professional association slowly evolved into a brotherhood that has lasted more than 50 years.

"We agree to disagree, but we're still friends," Kamal added.

Following Apoorva Raagangal, the duo went on to share screen space in several memorable films, including Avargal, Moondru Mudichu, Pathinaru Vayathinile and Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum.

Over the decades, their careers took different paths, but their friendship remained intact, becoming one of the most admired relationships in Indian cinema.

Today, as Dharman brings together Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan once again through Raaj Kamal Films International, fans are celebrating a collaboration decade in the making.

Source : IndianExpress , TeluguOne.com

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