Actor Manju Warrier recently wrote about working with Rajinikanth on last year's Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel. In her latest column for the portal Pappappa, Manju reminisced about watching a Rajinikanth film for the first time at a theatre in Nagercoil and getting enchanted by the superstar's aura. Years later, she got a call from Gnanavel for a chance to star in Vettaiyan and came to Chennai for a look test for the film. "The first Rajini dialogue that I heard apart from one of his films is: 'I am delighted to work with you'. I asked myself out of curiosity: 'Is what I am seeing and hearing true?'" Manju recalled.
The actor praised her Vettaiyan co-star's humble persona, which is in stark contrast to his larger-than-life image onscreen. She remembered getting a call from Rajinikanth after the release of the now-popular 'Manasilaayo' song from the film. "The words I heard from him are among the most precious recognition I have received all life. He said, 'The 'Manasilaayo' song is yours. You took it forward all on your own. You stole the show,'" Manju wrote.
The actor also added that her brother Madhu Warrier expressed a wish to meet Rajinikanth when he heard that she is working with him. "It was the first time that he wanted to visit one of my movie sets. He never asked for it until that point in my career," Manju wrote. She added that Madhu Warrier's wife, Anu, who is also a big Rajinikanth fan, could not accompany them to Chennai due to a personal situation. "Next, I have to fulfill the promise I made to Anu. The next time I do a film with Rajini sir, I would introduce her to him and take a photograph with him," Manju concluded her thoughts.
Manju Warrier played Thara, the spouse of Rajinikanth's police officer in Vettaiyan.
