A unique gesture of gratitude by a devoted Rajinikanth fan has drawn attention in Madurai. Karthi, a former Army serviceman from Thirumangalam, who is widely known for establishing a temple dedicated to actor Rajinikanth, recently honoured the sculptors who created the idol installed at the temple.
Karthi has been a passionate admirer of Rajinikanth for several years. His admiration for the actor led him to build a temple dedicated to the superstar, making headlines across Tamil Nadu. The temple has since become a place visited by fans who share their appreciation for the veteran actor.
Earlier this year, Rajinikanth invited Karthi and his family to his residence and honoured them by presenting new clothes. According to Karthi, the meeting was one of the most memorable moments of his life and reflected the actor's affection and appreciation for his fans.
Inspired by that experience, Karthi decided to express his gratitude to the sculptors who played a key role in creating the statue for the temple. He organised a special function to honour them, acknowledging their contribution to the completion of the temple project.
Speaking on the occasion, Karthi said the sculptors had made his dream a reality through their craftsmanship. He added that if Rajinikanth had honoured him for his dedication, the artists who created the statue also deserved equal respect and recognition. He thanked them for their hard work and dedication, stating that the temple would not have been complete without their efforts.
The sculptors expressed surprise and happiness at the recognition. They said they had not expected such an honour and appreciated Karthi's gesture of acknowledging the contribution of artists behind the project.
Karthi also shared his memories of meeting Rajinikanth. He recalled that the actor welcomed him warmly and congratulated him with affection. According to Karthi, the interaction left a lasting impression on him. He further said that only after discussing the meeting with one of his close friends of nearly 30 years did he fully realise the significance of the moment.
During his remarks, Karthi compared Rajinikanth's warmth and encouragement to the affectionate relationship that legendary filmmaker K. Balachander shared with his students and associates. He said the meeting reflected Rajinikanth's simplicity and humility, qualities that have earned him admiration from millions of fans.
The event has received appreciation from local residents and Rajinikanth fans, with many praising Karthi for recognising the work of the sculptors instead of limiting the celebration to himself. The programme highlighted the importance of acknowledging the contribution of artisans whose work often remains behind the scenes.
The honouring ceremony also reflected the bond between fans, artists, and the creative professionals who contribute to preserving memorable cultural and artistic projects.