Days ahead of taking the political plunge, veteran filmstar Kamal Haasan met DMK President M Karunanidhi and superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday, and said he is calling on those “whom I like” before the formal launch of his party on February 21.

Rajinikanth said he prayed for “divine blessings” to be bestowed on his friend Haasan and wished him success in his political endeavours. The actor said he and Hassan had different styles in cinema, a possible indication that they may go separate ways in politics too.

Rajinikanth said he and Hassan had different styles in cinema, a possible indication that they may go separate ways in politics too.

Haasan had said a few days ago that an alliance between the two was unlikely if Rajinikanth’s colour was “saffron”, an apparent reference to the BJP. Rajinikanth has good equations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Rajinikanth at his Poes Garden residence here, Haasan said he had called on the screen idol as he was meeting “those whom I like” ahead of the launch of his political party.

He has so far met chief ministers of Kerala and Delhi — Pinarayi Vijayan and Arvind Kejriwal — besides former chief election commissioner T N Seshan and veteran state CPI leader R Nallakannu.

“When I decided to take the (political) journey, I had informed him (Rajinikanth). Now, before leaving for the journey, I came to inform those whom I like,” Haasan said about the meeting.

“This is not a political meeting but a friendly one. Friendship was dominant (at the meeting),” he added. Haasan declined to reveal what exactly transpired at the meeting.

Later, Rajinikanth told reporters that Haasan invited him for the latter’s “political journey,” apparently meaning the launch of the actor’s political party.

“My friend Kamal has come to politics not for money or fame, but has come to do good for the people of Tamil Nadu and take care of them. I pray to God for his blessings (on Haasan). I wish him success,” he said.