In a deeply personal gesture that sent millions of fans into a frenzy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday penned a heartfelt birthday message for Indian cinema’s undisputed emperor Rajinikanth on his 75th birthday, addressing the superstar as “my dear friend” and hailing him as one of the rarest souls who commands equal reverence both as a reel-life legend and a real-life inspiration.

Taking to X at the stroke of midnight, Naidu wrote, “Happy Birthday to my dear friend and legendary superstar, Rajinikanth. Of the select few who shine as heroes both on screen and off it, he remains among the greatest. Wishing him many happy returns of the day, robust health, boundless happiness and many more years of touching lives.” Within minutes, the post exploded across social media, amassing lakhs of likes and retweets as admirers celebrated the bond between the tech visionary and the spiritual icon.

Naidu’s tribute went beyond protocol, spotlighting Rajinikanth’s extraordinary odyssey from Shivaji Rao Gaekwad—a humble bus conductor in Bengaluru—to Thalaivar, the highest-paid actor in Asia whose mere screen presence triggers tsunamis of adulation. The Chief Minister praised the superstar’s unmatched humility, iron discipline, spiritual depth and philanthropic spirit that have transformed him into a living deity for generations of Indians.

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The warmth reflects a friendship forged over decades. From Rajinikanth publicly lauding Naidu’s Cyberabad vision in the late 1990s to both leaders sharing dais at multiple events in Chennai and Amaravati, their mutual respect has always been visible. Sources close to the CM reveal that Naidu personally called Rajinikanth early morning to convey wishes, with the actor reportedly responding with his trademark laughter and gratitude.

As Rajinikanth basks in the mega success of Vettaiyan and gears up for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, M K Stalin and almost every major leader poured in. Yet Chandrababu Naidu’s message stood apart for its intimacy and sincerity, reminding the world why, even at 75, Rajinikanth remains the irreplaceable king of hearts across languages, borders and political aisles.

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