Thalaiva’s tribute to his teacher

The man who draws millions of tributes everyday,the latest being an unabashed on-screen one by King Khan himself to “Thalaiva” paid a quiet tribute to his teacher who thaught him 50 years ago. They say teachers are easier forgotten than remembered, especially when one is a superstar. But seems like it’s just the opposite for the South Superstar Rajinikanth. The 62-year-old actor rang up his 78 year old school teacher BN Shanthamma who taught him at The Government Model Primary School in Gavipuram in Bangalore where Rajini studied for three consecutive years (Class 5th, 6th and 7th) to wish her on Teacher’s Day on 5th September.

About two months ago,Rajinikanth had learnt that his teacher was facing hard times. He immediately called her up in July and even promised to meet her whenever he visited Bangalore, but never hinted about the Teachers’ Day gift he was planning.
With the actor’s inclination for carrying out philanthropic acts without making a noise about them, the only person in the know was a fan. “It shows how sharp his memory is,” a fawning Rajini Murugan G, who facilitated communication between the teacher and Rajinikanth said, “Rajini sir’s close associate and personal assistant called me up. He asked me to tell his teacher to check her account.”

On Saturday, September 7, Shanthamma was informed that a sum of Rs. 3 lakhs has been deposited to her bank account by Rajinikanth.
“Shivaji Rao was poor, but a very intelligent student. Despite reaching great heights, he hasn’t changed a bit,” commented his grateful teacher.
What a coincidence this help came across so close to the launch of the first trailer of his upcoming film Kochadaiyaan. Is it a kind of publicity stunt?