Having worked together in nearly 20 films, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan made an unprecedented decision, they would no longer share the screen. Announcing this in a joint press conference, they took a strategic step that reshaped their careers. Reflecting on this choice in a 2012 interview with NDTV, Kamal Haasan explained,
“More than wisdom, it was a very practical choice. Filmmakers were splitting our remuneration, leaving us in a position where we couldn’t demand our true worth. When we separated, our individual successes were rightfully recognized, and our market value soared. At that moment, we thought like businessmen.”
Despite their shared mentor, K. Balachander, their cinematic paths diverged significantly. While Rajinikanth emerged as the ultimate mass entertainer, Kamal carved his niche as a visionary actor-filmmaker. Yet, through it all, their rivalry remained one of mutual growth rather than animosity.
Kamal once acknowledged that their unspoken competition still thrives, but it was Balachander’s early guidance that ensured it never turned personal.
“Right from the beginning, our egos were blunted by our mentor. He made us do different things, almost like we were psychologically compartmentalized.”
Fifty years on, their journeys have taken them through blockbusters, reinventions, political aspirations, and personal triumphs, but their unwavering admiration for each other remains. It’s evident every time they speak about one another, proving that theirs is a friendship built on trust, respect, and a deep understanding of the industry they helped shape.
Source : indianexpress, 123telugu.com