The two stalwarts of the Tamil film industry – Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – entered the film industry around the same time and have remained friends all along. Both of them have starred together in several films during the early years of their career, which cemented the friendship bond and it still continues.
While Kamal had announced his entry to politics recently, Rajini is yet to decide on taking the plunge. But all this has not spoiled the beautiful friendship they share. The Andhra government has announced the prestigious Nandi awards for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 and Kamal Haasan has been selected for the 2014 Nandi Award while Rajini for the NTR National award in 2016.
Congratulating each other on a microblogging site, both the stars posted messages which show the fans that they are very much in good terms as always.
Congratulating Rajinikanth for his award, Kamal had posted, “Congratulations, Superstar.Rajinikanth for the NTR National award in 2016. Thank you Andhra for honouring me also, yet again. I am indebted to your continued support, which started early in my career. Kruthagnyathalu.”
To this, Rajinikanth had replied, “Thankyou Kamal... I wish you the same !!! Congratulations!”
Congratulations, Superstar.Rajinikanth for the NTR National award in 2016. Thank you Andhra for honouring me also, yet again. I am indebted to your continued support, which started early in my career. Kruthagnyathalu
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 14, 2017
Thankyou Kamal... I wish you the same !!! Congratulations!
— Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) November 14, 2017
I convey my heartfelt thanks and happiness for the prestigious #NandiAwards granted to me
— Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) November 14, 2017
The Andhra government did not announce the Nandi awards since 2014 due to the bifurcation of Andhra and Telangana states. Kamal Haasan will be receiving the award for the year 2014, noted directed K Raghavendra Rao for 2015 and Rajinikanth for 2016.
The NTR National Film Award is an honorary award for film personalities instituted in the memory of the late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh who was also an established actor. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a memento. The award was first given in the year 1996 and its first recipient was Akkineni Nageswara Rao.