Poes Garden: The Epicentre Of Tamil Nadu Politics, From Jayalalithaa To Dhanush

The past month was rife with talk about Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay planning to settle in Poes Garden – Chennai’s epicentre of heated politics, high drama and intrigue. The hum about Vijay eyeing late CM J Jayalalithaa’s palatial bungalow to be his CM abode is gaining credence every day…the denizens of this tony neighbourhood are again shaken and stirred. Memories of an earlier CM’s dominance and security cordons are still fresh …add to this the domineering presence of her close confidant Sasikala is even more fresh. She has built her own palatial residence just across Veda Nilayam. Just around the bend is super star Rajini’s sprawling home, a place he coveted and contracted as his own nearly 50 years back. It is said that JJ’s convoy once had stopped Rajini entering Poes Garden. The latest is his estranged son-in-law actor Dhanush has built a Rs 150 crore lavish mansion in the same vicinity. The most unexpected win of Vijay’s TVK has changed many an equation. Imagine the shock of these same denizens when Dhanush posed for a huge fan club from his balcony. He is now harbouring accelerated political ambitions…if Vijay can, why not me? He is said to have even hit upon his party flag and social service plans. The huge crowd that gathered in Poes Garden on his 43rd birthday on July 28, augured yet another star entry into this crowded arena. Is TN uniquely distinct in this jump from cinema to politics? Only MGR had that genuine charisma, neither filmy nor posturing …he loved his state and even today has a phenomenal following. Many a star like Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Vijaykanth and a smattering of junior artists have thrown their hats in the ring, only Vijaykanth could make some dent.