Say no to smoking, Rajinikanth insists fans

Superstar Rajinikanth has always been famous for his on- screen appearance with cigarette in his mouth. While attending his birthday celebrations in Chennai, first ever in two decades, he has requested his fans earnestly to give up smoking as his birthday gift.

The star opens up, "Twenty-two years ago, three of my fans who had come from their town to take part in my birthday celebrations died in an accident on their way back. This is the reason why I get out of the city on my birthday." He adds more, "When I was a bus conductor, I used to drink a lot due to peer pressure. When I entered films, the problem got worse, and coupled with long working hours, led me into depression. After my marriage to Latha, I cut back on drinking, but continued to smoke too much. My lungs and kidneys got affected and I had to be treated in Singapore. Now, for the past two months, I've been hale and hearty. That's why I'm asking you to stop smoking."

Marking his birthday celebrations, 3D version of his 2007 blockbusterSivajiwas released on the big day. Presently Rajinikanth is working hard to finish his next filmKochadaiyaandirected by his daughter Soundarya R. Ashwin.