New Delhi: Filmmaker and actor Lenin Bharati recently made headlines after calling Tamil megastar Rajinikanth a “fake philanthropist” over a gesture involving a sanitation worker in Chennai.
The controversy started when Rajinikanth gifted a gold chain to a sanitation worker in Chennai. Pictures of the meeting were shared by the actor’s team on social media, garnering widespread praise from fans who appreciated the superstar’s generosity.
However, Lenin Bharati criticized the move and expressed its disappointment on social media. The Merku Thodarchi Malai director on X (formerly Twitter) accused Rajinikanth of remaining silent when sanitation workers had earlier protested for their rights.
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He wrote, “Where were you, @Rajinikanth, those days when sanitation workers were protesting for their rights at the entrance of Ripon Building? Would you recognize them only by their uniforms to show your so-called generosity, you fake philanthropist?”
துபசாவு workers are fighting for their rights பிப்பை ில் வாங்கை மைன் மின் போன் தேந்து இந்தை நிர் @Rajinikanth Answer.. Answer and show them the answers pic.twitter.com/hi79coMVIh– LeninBharti (@leninbharti1) 3 February 2026
The “fake philanthropist” comment has sparked outrage among Rajinikanth’s fans and sparked heated debate on social media, with many strongly defending the superstar.
Let us tell you that Rajinikanth recently met Padma, a sanitation worker from T Nagar, at her residence and was impressed by her honesty and integrity. She had found an unclaimed bag containing 45 pieces of gold jewelery and had immediately informed her superiors before handing it over to the police. To honor his exemplary work, the superstar invited him home and gifted him a gold chain.
Who is Lenin Bharti?
Lenin Bharathi is a famous actor, director and writer in the Tamil film industry. He made his directorial debut with the 2018 film Merku Thodarchi Malai, which was backed by Vijay Sethupathi. The rural drama emerged as a sleeper hit at the box office and starred Antony, Gayathri Krishna, Abu Valayankulam and Anthony Vathiyar in the lead roles.
Earlier he had written the script for Adhanlal Kadhal Seveer. He has also acted in films such as Arjunan Per Pathathu and Bison Kalamaadaan, which have gained him recognition for socially conscious storytelling.
Rajinikanth’s upcoming projects
On the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen in Jailer 2 directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The film also stars Mithun Chakraborty, SJ Suryah, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Anna Rajan and Jatin Sarna in lead roles.
Apart from this, the superstar will also be seen in Thalaivar 173 produced by Kamal Haasan and directed by Siby Chakraborty.