Rajinikanth reveals 60 percent of his kidney was damaged, reflects on cancelling his political debut: 'I was worried about my reputation...'

At a recent event in Chennai, Superstar Rajinikanth opened up on the health challenges he faced during the last few years. He noted that he was suffering from multiple health problems and was dissatisfied with the treatment too at the time. And he described his doctor R. Ravichandran as "his best friend" and credited him with saving his life. 

"In 2010 I met Ravichandran and I consider it a lucky day in my life. I don't want to name the other hospital, where I was admitted for multiple problems. But, kidney problem was the main. I was not happy with their treatment, so I started consulting Ravichandran. At that time, my kidney was almost 60 per cent damaged. He kept me on medication but after a point, he said I needed transplantation," Rajinikanth said. 

He also recalled that it would have been a publicity nightmare if he had undergone the transplantation in the country. And he also observed that he was informed there were too many formalities for such procedures. Based on his doctor's advice, he went abroad for the life-saving operation. He revealed that the operation took place at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. 

In 2016, had undergone a renal transplant. At the end of the year 2017, he also announced taking his long-awaited political plunge. 

"When I wanted to enter politics, unexpectedly you know Covid happened. I was immunosuppressant, I was taking medication. I have already committed to politics and the second wave of Covid has started. But, my doctor said he would not allow me to take part in campaigning. If I should go to politics, he asked me to maintain 10 feet distance and never remove my mask. How are these things possible? How do I say it to others? If I say, people will say I got afraid of politics. I started worrying about my reputation," he recalled. 

Rajinikanth, however, found the courage to prioritise his health over his political aspirations. And he was expected to launch his political outfit in January 2021. But, by December 2020, he cancelled his political debut citing health reasons.   

On the career front, Rajinikanth is now shooting for Jailer. Written and directed by Nelson, the film will arrive in cinemas later this year.