A newspaper changes its name to Rajinikanth Times

Superstar Rajinikanth’s massive global fandom continues to inspire unprecedented gestures. In a first for Indian journalism, a major English daily temporarily changed its name and masthead to honor the legendary actor.

Hindustan Times, a century-old newspaper, renamed its front page to Rajinikanth Times and dedicated the entire first page to him, featuring a large photo and a special tribute. The gesture marked the actor’s remarkable 50 years in cinema.

Rajinikanth’s fans erupted in celebration, calling it a historic moment. The superstar himself expressed his gratitude on social media, saying he was “deeply honoured and grateful for this tribute.”

While this is a first for any Indian movie star, it has also sparked debate. Critics question whether such branding is appropriate for a major news outlet. A masthead change for a national figure like Mahatma Gandhi may be understandable, they argue. It appears more like a marketing gimmick.