'Why Are You Here? Go Home': How Rajinikanth Shocked Dwarakish When Approached With A Film Offer

Legendary Kannada actor-filmmaker Dwarakish passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest on Tuesday. The 81-year-old film personality was one of the few who have worked with some of the big names of the South Indian film industry.

Not just with Dr Rajkumar, Dr Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh, Dwarakish had made movies in other languages including in Tamil with superstar Rajinikanth. Yes, you heard it right.

With Rajini, Dwarakish had made three movies including 'Adutha Varisu', and 'Naan Adimai Illai'. About his collaboration, Dwarakish, before his death, had candidadly revealed about his meeting with the superstar.

In the rare interview, Dwarakish had said how Rajinikanth had shocked him with his behaviour.

Dwarakish reminisced, "In 1982, I visited Madras. I met with G Venkateshwaran, a prominent financier and the brother of filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Venkateshwaran managed a network of 150-160 theaters. During our encounter, he warmly welcomed me to Madras, expressing, 'Individuals of your stature belong in places with international flights and harbors.'"

Initially, Dwarakish approached Kamal Haasan, who questioned why he had approached him when someone from his own state had already established a strong presence in Tamil Nadu, referring to Rajinikanth.

Disappointed by Kamal's response, Dwarakish and Kamal proceeded to Rajinikanth. "Upon our arrival, Rajini bluntly asked, 'Why are you here? Go home,'" recounted Dwarakish, taken aback by the reception.

Later around 3.30 pm, to Dwarakish's surprise, Rajinikanth visited his hotel. "Rajini inquired, 'Why didn't you call me instead?' I found his comment reassuring and expressed my desire to collaborate with him," Dwarakish shared.

However, Rajini remained skeptical, questioning, "Why should I work with you? I have no available." Undeterred, Dwarakish showed the first copy of 'Nyaya Yellide'. "He was impressed by the film and agreed to do a film. Rajini then demanded Rs 7 lakh, which astonished me," Dwarakish recalled.

"The agreed to pay. The next day he called me and asked me to pay Rs 5 lakh," Dwarakish added.

Later they drunk together.

"The same evening I received Rs 19 lakh as advance and all the rights of all areas were sold out. I made Rs 48 lakh from the movie," Dwarakish recalled.

"On the same evening, I received Rs 19 lakh as an advance, and the rights for all areas were quickly sold out. Ultimately, I earned Rs 48 lakh from the movie," Dwarakish fondly reminisced.