‘MGR had political ideology, Vijay has none’: Interview with author Vaasanthi

Weeks after the Karur tragedy, TNM caught up with veteran journalist and writer Vaasanthi. She speaks on image-making by late MG Ramachandran (MGR) and Vijay, the difference in their fan bases, why young women – a rarity in India – are drawn to Vijay’s rallies and what the stampede deaths say about Tamilaga Vetri Kazhgam’s (TVK) leadership and cadre.

Vaasanthi served as the editor of India Today Tamil for 10 years. She has a keen interest in the overlaps of cinema and politics. She has written political biographies on former Tamil Nadu chief ministers M Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. She is also the author of Cut-Outs, Caste and Cine Stars (2006). Her collection of short stories was translated and published in English as Ganga’s Choice in 2022.

Is Vijay making himself in the image of MG