Rajini’s Punchtantra (Value Statements on Business and Life Management)

P.C. Balasubramanian a chartered Accountant by qualification, is one of the founder directors of Matrix business services India Pvt. India a leading verification company in the country. With a passion in enterprise / Institution building he believes that it is people who matter in any company and loves to influence people in the right manner and motivate them to bring the best out of them. He believes that it is people who matter in any company and loves to influence people in the right manner and motivate them to bring the best out of them. He also clearly believes in giving equal importance to the “Two lives” work and personal.

Raja Krishnamoorthy Raja Krishnamoorthy has over 33 years of experience in the field of human Resources. He is one of the directors of Talent Maximus India, a Chennai based Hr services organization. As a trainer and consultant in the area of Organization development, he does extensive work in team synergy, transformation and leadership skills and personal growth through self awareness. He is also an actor explorer and student of the journey of life….

Tamil Cinema has been a fountainhead for political ideologies and revolutionary thoughts. That it has managed to seamlessly weave social purpose with popular entertainment is its uniqueness.

Rajinikanth is a phenomenon non-pareil in Tamil Cinema. He is fascinating as much with his striking' style' movements, as with his deeply insightful 'punch' lines. That he effortlessly combines mass appeal with sincerity of purpose is his strength. Rajinikanth's off-screen life and conduct have vastly added credibility to his on-screen image and character. It is no wonder that Rajini is synonymous with his punch lines laden with meaning.

The authors, P C Balasubramanian and Raja Krishnamuoorthy should be warmly complimented for bringing out Rajini's pearls and showcasing them for their effulgence. The authors are not uninformed fans given to irrational idolatry. One is a successful entrepreneur and the other a well respected consultant. That both have found Rajini's signature statements deeply relevant to management practices and indeed life at large, is testimony to the true value of Rajini's punch lines. It is also telling proof of Rajini's appeal to people across all walks of life.

The annotation is lucid and friendly, yet deep and thoughtful just like a Rajinikanth Movie!

Once in a way, in history, there appears someone whose message provides hope, lights a spark and energizes all of mankind. It is never quite the message itself but who said it, how and when, that makes the message almost historical. Often these messages are so simple and earthy, yet coming rom the personality, in its unique context, the message grows alive and powerful. It acquires significance, wide acceptance and gets etched in memory.

Rajini's punch dialogues made such an impact on me that it has become my mission to make a book out of them.

I have grown up watching Rajinikanth films- nothing new in that, most of my generation did. But unlike many adoscelent attractions that you grow out of as you mature, I could not grow out of his punch lines! As I grew older and, hopefully, wiser, I soaked deeper in the impact they made on me and a whole lot of others!

From a coolie to a CEO, from a small time entrepreneur to a big business man, from an urchin to a post-graduate, from a maid to an activist, from lovers to siblings, from spouses to in-laws, Ihave seen these 'Rajini dialogues' evoke deep resonance and often a glint in the eye, a nod of acceptance and a smile of acknowledgement. The statements simply touched them and stayed somewhere deep within!

I call these 'Value Statements' as only such statements travel a long distance, remain in the minds and hearts of the people for generations and get quoted or used in their conversations. I have experienced people from different walks of life - across communities, class, background-quote his punch lines at work or at home or at social gatherings to communicate their views in a simple but powerful manner! And most of the times it is found relevant, is enjoyed and is well accepted! This is why perhaps it has become a Rajinikanth tradition that millions of his fans (and many others who might have not seen that particular film for that matter...) look forward to these Value Statements from the Super Star-not just in his movies, but even in a public forum where he is delivering a speech!

Hence I recognize that, in their mass appeal, in their entertainment potential, in their power to educate and awaken society and impact the minds of millions, these value statements are waiting to be leveraged. That essentially is the purpose of this book!

In a way, Rajini's own life is his message. I call it a 'Pilgrim's Progress Through Life'-one of hardships, struggle, dreams, destiny, superstardom, learning, responsibility, resisting temptations, simplicity, utmost humility and being a role model for generations of people. And in the process, he has woven such magic in the minds of millions that his mere utterances have turned into' gems of wisdom'.

I salute this living enigma in reverence and admiration! And this book is an effort to chronicle a part of his contribution in to an interesting capsule and leave it behind for posterity ... to enjoy, to cherish, to learn from and to celebrate life!