Rajinikanth poses with paparazzi on IFFI 2025 red carpet, wins hearts
Panaji, November 29
Superstar Rajinikanth had a special moment with his fans on the final day of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 when he stopped to pose for photographers on the red carpet at INOX, Goa, during the special screening of 'Lal Salaam', directed by his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth.
As the actor arrived at the red carpet, he was requested by paparazzi for a picture.
Thalaivar didn't hesitate to pause and join them with a smile, interacting with them before entering the venue.
Released in 2024, Lal Salaam is a Tamil-language sports action drama produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the Lyca Productions banner.
Later in the evening, the cinema icon also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, marking 50 years of his illustrious career in the film industry.
The 74-year-old actor was welcomed with a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept the honour and also reflected on his journey, which he said felt far shorter than it sounds. Calling the milestone emotional and deeply meaningful, Rajinikanth said his "five decades in cinema" felt like they had passed in just a few years.
In an emotional moment, he shared that he would choose the same life again if given the chance, saying, "50 years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years... If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and Rajinikanth."
The 56th edition of IFFI, which concluded on November 28, brought together filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals from across the world and highlighted major achievements in both Indian and world cinema.
The festival also honoured the centenary year of several legendary figures, including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, with restored screenings of their most influential works.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Standing ovation for 50 years of excellence! His comment about choosing the same life again shows his passion for cinema. What an inspiration for aspiring actors across India.
While I respect Rajinikanth's achievements, I wish IFFI would also give more recognition to contemporary regional actors who are doing groundbreaking work. The festival needs better balance.
As someone who grew up watching his films in Mumbai, this brings back so many memories. His energy and charisma are timeless. The paparazzi moment shows he's still the people's star!
Perfect timing for the Lifetime Achievement Award - 50 years in cinema is no small feat! And supporting his daughter's film Lal Salaam shows what a great father he is too. Family man â¤ï¸
The centenary celebrations for legends like Guru Dutt and Ritwik Ghatak alongside Rajinikanth's honor shows IFFI's commitment to preserving Indian cinema heritage. Great initiative!
His humility is his greatest strength. From auto driver to superstar, he never lets fame get to his head. That paparazzi moment proves he's still the same humble person. Jai Maharashtra! 🤗
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