Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth has found himself in the middle of a social media storm after remarks he made at the audio launch of his upcoming film Coolie were perceived as body-shaming. During the 40-minute event in Chennai on August 2, the veteran actor referred to his co-star Soubin Shahir as “bald” and Bollywood icon Aamir Khan as “short,” though he later followed up with praise for their acting prowess.
What Rajinikanth said about Soubin Shahir
The controversy stems from Rajinikanth’s candid retelling of his initial reaction to Shahir’s casting. Speaking on stage, he revealed that when director Lokesh Kanagaraj first mentioned Shahir, he was unfamiliar with his work.
“I asked Lokesh, ‘Who is Soubin? Which films has he acted in?’ He told me about Manjummel Boys, where Soubin played a key role,” Rajinikanth said. “I still had doubts and even questioned whether he would suit the role because he was bald. But I eventually stayed quiet because Lokesh had full confidence in him.”
While the ‘bald’ comment immediately drew criticism, Rajinikanth later praised Shahir’s performance, saying he was “blown away” after watching his scenes in Coolie. “What an actor! Hats off!” he exclaimed.
Remarks about Aamir Khan
Rajinikanth also spoke about Aamir Khan’s cameo in the film, expressing his surprise that the Bollywood star agreed so quickly to participate. “I thought Aamir would take years to agree to a script,” Rajinikanth said. “He stands tall among them all despite being short. What a legend!… My salute to you, sir.”
The ‘short’ remark, although followed by admiration, sparked similar criticism from fans who felt it was unnecessary to reference Khan’s height.
Social media divided
The reaction online has been sharply divided. Supporters of the superstar argue that his comments were harmless, light-hearted observations delivered with respect. “Thalaiva has always been open and honest. He praised them right after, so there’s no need to overreact,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
However, others accused him of normalising casual body-shaming. “Imagine if words like these came from someone like Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, or Amitabh Bachchan—would people have let it slide?” one user questioned. Several social media posts have urged celebrities to be mindful of how their words might perpetuate stereotypes.
Industry silence and timing of the controversy
So far, neither Soubin Shahir nor Aamir Khan has publicly responded to the comments. The controversy comes just days before Coolie’s release on August 14, when it will clash with the much-anticipated War 2. Industry watchers suggest that while the remarks have drawn criticism, they may also inadvertently boost attention for the film.
Broader debate on humour and sensitivity
This incident has reignited a broader conversation in the Indian film industry about the fine line between humour and insensitivity. In recent years, several public figures have faced backlash for making offhand remarks about colleagues’ physical appearances, as audiences increasingly demand more respectful discourse from celebrities.
While Rajinikanth’s fans maintain that his decades-long career and philanthropic contributions should be taken into account before passing judgment, critics argue that high-profile figures have a responsibility to lead by example—especially when addressing younger generations of filmgoers.
Conclusion
Whether this will be remembered as a fleeting controversy or a turning point in how celebrities speak publicly about peers remains to be seen. For now, the debate surrounding Rajinikanth’s comments continues to dominate headlines, adding yet another layer of intrigue to Coolie’s pre-release buzz.