After UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Jailer star Rajinikanth meets Akhilesh Yadav: 'When hearts meet...'

Superstar Rajinikanth's spiritual retreat to the Himalayas has taken a political turn. A day after meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajinikanth also called upon the state's Opposition Leader Akhilesh Yadav. 

The chief of the Samajwadi Party welcomed the 72-year-old superstar with a warm hug. He tweeted a picture of himself embracing Rajinikanth and revealed his admiration for him. "When hearts meet, people embrace," he captioned the photo. 

Also Read: Amid Jailer success, video of Rajinikanth touching UP CM Yogi Adityanath's feet divides the internet

Akhilesh also recalled his college days in Mysuru and his fandom for Rajinikanth. "During my engineering studies in Mysore, the happiness I used to feel seeing Rajinikanth ji on the screen is still intact. We met in person 9 years back and have been friends ever since…," he added. 

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Rajinikanth noted that it was just a courtesy call. "I met Akhilesh ji for the first time about 9 years in Bombay and we have been friends since. We also often talk on the phone. Five years ago I had come here for shooting, he wasn't here, so we couldn't meet. Today I got the opportunity to meet him," said the Jailer superstar. j

During his recent trip, Rajinikanth met several government dignitaries and political leaders. However, his Saturday visit to Yogi Adityanath's residence sparked massive outrage on social media. A video of Rajinikanth touching the UP CM's feet as a mark of respect outraged many. Many questioned the need for Rajinikanth to touch the feet of a much younger person. And some have cited Yogi Adityanath's position as the chief priest of Gorakhnath Math to justify Rajinikanth's humble gesture towards him. 

Rajinikanth also watched his latest blockbuster Jailer along with Yogi Adityanath in a private screening. Rajinikanth's wife Latha and other government dignitaries were also present at the screening.