Rajinikanth Reveals Why He Wanted Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Neelambari in 'Padayappa'; Says, ‘We Would Have Even Waited for Her for a Year’

Superstar Rajinikanth has now disclosed that he initially had wanted actress Aishwarya Rai to play the powerful role of Neelambari in his superhit film Padayappa, which is now all set to re-release on December 12. Rajinikanth’s 50 Years in Films: Kamal Haasan Celebrates ‘Coolie’ Superstar’s Golden Jubilee Milestone With ‘Affection and Admiration’ – See Post.

Rajinikanth made this disclosure in a video clip titled The Return of Padayappa that was released ahead of the re-release of the film. For the unaware, Rajinikanth's blockbuster film Padayappa is to be re-released on December 12 to mark his 75th birthday.

Rajinikanth Opens Up on Trying Three Months to Sign Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

In the video clip that was released, Rajinikanth disclosed several interesting details about the film, not known until now.

The Superstar said,"Whenever I thought of the Neelambari character, I would remember Aishwarya Rai. I thought Aishwarya Rai was correct for this role and that she should do the role. We tried for almost three months to get her dates for this role. We even tried to reach her through her relatives. If she had said the role was good and that we needed to wait, we would have even waited for her for a year. That was because that character would have to click. Else, the film would not work. It was later we realised that she was not interested in this role."

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Declined Powerful Neelambari Role in 'Padayappa'

The actor also disclosed that when they had to look for another person for the role, he had pointed out to director Ravikumar that if this film had to work, the role of Neelambari had to be powerful. Rajinikanth said that several suggestions were made but he was unable to find a person with powerful eyes.

"I had told Ravikumar that if we can't find the right person with powerful eyes for this role, we will put the project on hold," Rajinikanth recalled. The Superstar then said that it was director K S Ravikumar who suggested Ramya Krishnan's name and she came on board the project.

For the unaware, Ramya Krishnan's performance as Neelamabari in the film came in for a lot of critical acclaim and her popularity soared after the film.

Rajinikanth also said in the video clip that he was now discussing a story to make a sequel of Padayappa.

"As far as I know in my 50 years in the film industry, the first time women broke open the gates of a theatre to watch a film was Padayappa. Now, if you see in recent times, we have 2.0, Jailer 2. It suddenly occurred to me, why not do a second part to Padayappa. Anyway, Neelambari (played by Ramya Krishnan) has told in the first part that 'I will at least take revenge in the next birth.' So, the title will be Neelambari - Padayappa 2. If the film comes out well, then it will be another film like Padayappa and will provide a celebration for fans like what one witnesses in a festival." Rajinikanth’s Publicist Denies ‘Coolie’ Actor’s Ties With Malaysia ‘Meet and Greet Thalaivar’ Event, Calls It Fake.

In the video clip, Rajinikanth also disclosed that he was the actual producer of the film and that he had come up with the story of the film as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 09, 2025 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).