A Daughter's Directorial Dream: Aishwarya Rajinikanth's Emotional Revelation
In a heartfelt speech that captivated audiences at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, Aishwarya Rajinikanth opened up about the extraordinary experience of directing her legendary father, Rajinikanth, in the film 'Lal Salaam'. The final day of the prestigious festival witnessed an emotional account of what it means for a daughter to direct her superstar father.
The Surreal Experience of Directing a Legend
Aishwarya described the opportunity to direct her father as nothing short of surreal. "It's an incredible feeling that still hasn't fully sunk in," she confessed to the captivated audience. The director expressed that words failed to capture the magnitude of this blessing in her life, emphasizing that the project itself felt like a divine intervention that she never anticipated would come her way.
She revealed that the journey of making 'Lal Salaam' presented numerous challenges, but having her father as part of the project provided the essential foundation to overcome every obstacle. "He became the real platform that helped us cross that difficult path," Aishwarya shared with visible emotion, acknowledging how Rajinikanth's presence transformed the filmmaking process.
Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Directing Family
When questioned whether being the superstar's daughter made the directing process easier, Aishwarya delivered a surprising and honest answer. "Being a daughter didn't give me any privileges; in fact, it made the work slightly tougher," she revealed, drawing both laughter and understanding from the audience.
She explained the unique challenge of maintaining professional boundaries with someone who has known her since childhood. "My father would stand up every time we met on set, showing the same respect he shows everyone. That very closeness made it challenging to establish the necessary director-actor dynamic," Aishwarya elaborated. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that this experience ranks among the greatest gifts of her life.
A Walking Masterclass in Dedication
Aishwarya didn't hold back in praising her father's professional ethics, describing his on-set presence as a "walking masterclass" for everyone involved in the production. She marveled at his dedication and elegance, noting that these qualities weren't reserved only for camera moments but were evident throughout the entire filming process.
"His commitment provided a 24-hour free lesson for every crew member. Because he valued time, everyone became punctual; because he worked with passion, everyone elevated their performance," she stated proudly. This observation highlighted how Rajinikanth's influence extended beyond his acting role to positively impact the entire production team.
Gratitude and Global Recognition
The director extended heartfelt appreciation to her entire team, specifically mentioning the producers who placed their trust in the project and music maestro A.R. Rahman, whose support she described as immeasurable. "When Rahman sir appreciated the film's concept, it meant the world to us. Every team member contributed emotionally to this project," Aishwarya acknowledged.
She expressed particular excitement about the film's international recognition, noting that presenting 'Lal Salaam' on a global platform exceeded their wildest expectations. The timing couldn't be more significant, as the film becomes part of Rajinikanth's 50th year in the film industry celebrations. "Having my film contribute to this milestone feels like a beautiful blessing, both as a director and as a daughter," she emotionally concluded.
Released in February 2024, 'Lal Salaam' features Vishnu Vishal and Vikrant in lead roles with Rajinikanth appearing in an extended cameo. The film, with music composed by A.R. Rahman, is currently available for streaming on popular OTT platforms, making this unique father-daughter collaboration accessible to audiences worldwide.
