Young Japanese just mad about Rajnikant

Tokyo: South Indian superstar Rajnikant rules millions of hearts in Japan with his machismo and flamboyance.


Popularly known as "Odori Maharaja" (the dancing king), the icon is hugely popular, particularly among the young Japanese, reports News India Times, an ethnic newspaper.


Rajnikant's popularity can be gauged by the fact that a Japanese fan recently married a Tamil just because she wanted to meet Rajnikant, who later blessed the couple.


Rajnikant, who exploded onto Japanese screens when his blockbuster "Muthu" ran to packed houses here a few years ago, is a brand ambassador for various products sold in the country.


A snack firm even has his photos on their wrappers, says News India Times.


In an address to the Japanese parliament earlier this year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said: "I am delighted to hear about the popularity of Odori Maharaja among young people here."


The moment he said the magic words 'Odori Maharaja', Japanese MPs had burst into a deafening applause.