CHENNAI: Actor-turned-politician Vijay has sent out a clear political signal, asserting that he would win and be the king in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and not play the role of a kingmaker.
In a candid interaction with NDTV team at his residence here, the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam said he was confident of a decisive mandate, pointing to the crowds at his public engagements as evidence of growing support.
“I will win. Why would I be a kingmaker? Have you seen the crowds that are coming? I have been a star for decades, and now I have put my mind into politics. The switch has not been easy,” Vijay said.
Reflecting on the Karur stampede during one of his rallies, which claimed 41 lives, he described the incident as a profound shock that continued to weigh on him. “I never expected anything like that to happen. It still haunts me in some ways,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding his film Jana Nayagan, Vijay said politics was now his future, but admitted he felt distressed for the producer. “I expected my film to be targeted because of my political entry. I was mentally prepared for this,” he said.
The actor-politician also spoke of his influences, calling Shah Rukh Khan his favourite actor and naming M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa as his political role models.
Vijay said his political journey would be driven by conviction and perseverance as he prepared for his first full-fledged electoral test.