Superstar Rajinikanth presented the Dr. Mrs. YGP Award for Cultural Excellence to veteran actress Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali.

At the ceremony held in Chennai, Superstar Rajinikanth personally escorted the 88-year-old Vyjayanthimala to the stage and presented her with the award. The moment he handed over the award, he bent down with the reverence one shows a guru, touched her feet seeking her blessings, and said with deep affection, “Amma… may you always stay healthy and happy.” Rajini then held Vyjayanthimala’s hands, brought them to his forehead and paid his respects.

Vyjayanthimala Bali — a world-renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, a shining leading lady in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema during the 1960s and 70s, and someone who acted alongside Rajinikanth in films like Vanjikottai Valiban and Iru Sahodarargal — has always held a very special place in Rajini’s heart for all these reasons.

Speaking emotionally at the event, Rajinikanth said, “This award is absolutely fitting for Vyjayanthimala Amma. Her artistry and humility deserve to be celebrated forever.” He continued, “Y.G. Parthasarathy was extremely careful in selecting teachers for his school. Teachers and professors are like water tanks. Only when those tanks are clean and healthy can pure water of knowledge be given to students.” Rajini shared this thought in a simple yet profoundly philosophical way.

This heartwarming moment has gone viral on social media, with fans proudly sharing it and commenting, “No matter how big a superstar he becomes, Rajini never forgets humility.”