Rajinikanth: Would've Waited 3 Years for Aishwarya Rai in Padayappa

• Rajinikanth's 1999 hit film 'Padayappa' is set for re-release.
• Rajinikanth initially wished to cast Aishwarya Rai as Neelambari and was willing to wait for her, but she showed disinterest.
• Ramya Krishnan was ultimately cast as Neelambari, a role suggested by director K. S. Ravikumar.
• Rajinikanth wrote 'Padayappa', drawing inspiration for the Neelambari character from Nandini in Kalki's 'Ponniyin Selvan'.
• 'Padayappa' was the highest-grossing Tamil film at its release, and a sequel has been officially confirmed.

Why It Matters: It shows a classic film's enduring legacy and future, revealed by its superstar creator.