Rajinikanth’s old promise resurfaces amid Raghavendra Mandapam hotel reports: 'Every paisa will go to Tamil Nadu people, not our family'

Rajinikanth’s iconic Raghavendra Mandapam in Chennai has once again become a talking point after reports claimed that the property could be developed into a three-star hotel. While there is no official confirmation yet on whether the entire premises will be converted or whether the reports concern only a portion of the property, an old video of Rajinikanth has brought renewed attention to what the actor had once said about its future.

In the video, Rajinikanth spoke about his plans for the roughly one-and-a-quarter-acre property and explained why he wanted its future earnings to benefit the people of Tamil Nadu rather than his family.

Read more - Running water trains: Railways ready to transport water to drought-hit Maharashtra, but state must first find a water source

Rajinikanth said Raghavendra Mandapam would go to charitable trust

Speaking about the property, Rajinikanth said he had transferred Raghavendra Mandapam to the Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust. He also said that the decision had been included in his will.

“After my life, this whole property will go to the Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust,” the actor said.

Rajinikanth then made a larger promise about how the income generated from the property would be used.

“Each and every paisa will go to the people of Tamil Nadu who made me live. Not even a paisa will go to our family,” he said.

The actor explained that the property represented his way of giving something back to the people who had supported him throughout his career.

Rajinikanth recalled fans spending money on his films

In the same video, Rajinikanth spoke about the relationship he shared with his fans and the public. He recalled how people had spent their money to watch his films, even during the early years of his career when cinema tickets cost only a few rupees.

He acknowledged that a will could technically be changed, but said a public promise carried a different responsibility.

“I can change my will at any time, but I cannot change a promise made publicly,” Rajinikanth said.

The actor also stressed the importance of acting when there is an opportunity to do something beneficial.

“When we want to do something good, we should do it immediately,” he said.

Rajinikanth said he had discussed his decision with his wife Latha and other family members before handing over the will and property documents to his brother-in-law Varadacharya.

What is happening to Raghavendra Mandapam now?

The latest reports about the property have put its future back in the spotlight. Raghavendra Mandapam has had a long association with Rajinikanth’s fans and was opened in Chennai in 1989. The venue has hosted fan gatherings and has remained an important part of the actor’s public life.

A recent report by Cinema Vikatan suggested that a three-star hotel could be developed at the site. However, reports have not clearly established whether the proposal involves the entire property or only part of the premises.

For now, there is no official confirmation detailing exactly what changes, if any, are planned for Raghavendra Mandapam. The resurfaced video, however, has reminded fans of Rajinikanth’s earlier commitment that the property would ultimately serve a charitable purpose and that its earnings would benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.

Rajinikanth’s upcoming films

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth continues to have a busy line-up on the film front. He will next be seen in Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, which is scheduled to release in theatres on October 15.

The actor has also committed to Dharman, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The film has recently completed its third shooting schedule.


Inputs from TOI