The news of the arrival of Indian superstar Rajinikanth to Malaysia has gone viral and the social media is buzzing away with all kinds of news associated with the Indian film icon. This is expected as Rajinikanth (born Shiviji Rao Gaekwad in 1950) is a charismatic film actor, and has been referred as a cultural icon of South India.

Rajinikanth, who is said to be the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan, is here for his 159th movie ‘Kabali’ (Don) in which he plays a leading role as a gang leader. Much of Rajinikanth’s popularity has been associated to his mannerism and stylish delivery of dialogues in films.

I am must admit that I am not a fan of Rajinikanth however I am impressed with this matinee idol for his generosity in helping the poor. He is known to have organised and spearheaded various charity programmes in India. However, according to N Ramachandran, the author of the book ‘Rajinikanth:The Definitive Biography’ most of Rajinikanth's philanthropic activities went unpublicised because Rajinikanth did not want them to be so.

Apparently Rajinikanth has donated half of his income to charities. Despite the fact that he has the support of the people to be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he has declined it on several occassions. This itself speaks volumes of this actor, whose mother tongue is Marathi.

Rajinikanth is said to have been the prime mover in encouraging organ donation among the public in South India. In the 1980s when superstitious beliefs prevented the majority of people from donating eyes, Rajinikanth is said to have spent much of his precious time in campaigning in support of corneal transplantation via television and public speeches.

The urging to honour Rajinikanth with a Datukship or Tan Sri title is getting louder by the day among his fans and the community. Many are of the opinion that Rajini deserves the honour like Shah Rukh Khan and Jackie Chan. I have mixed feelings with regards to honouring actors with a state or federal titles. However, I am of the view that Rajini deserve to be honoured for his international charity activities and anti -corruption campaigns..

It is understandable to note the kind of buzz Rajini’s arrival news has created among his fans. Rajini fans can make Rajinikanth’s visit to Malaysia a memorable one if they could emulate the fans in India. Rajini fans in India carry out various charity activities including donating blood as a way to show their support to their screen hero. Perhaps our the health minister should consider inviting Rajinikanth to boost our organ donation campaigns