Actor Amitabh Bachchan couldn’t attend the preview and audio launch event of his debut Tamil film Vettaiyaan in Chennai on Friday, September 20. However, the 81-year-old actor sent a video message for his co-star Rajinikanth, calling him the “supreme of all stars”.

In the video message, Amitabh said, “Vettaiyan is my first Tamil film, I am very honoured. Rajinikanth is the ultimate star of all.”

He also recalled the time when he shared the screen with Thalaivar in Mukul S. Anand’s 1991 film Hum. In the film, Rajinikanth played Amitabh’s younger brother opposite Govinda. During the shooting of Hum, the veteran actor shared that when he would go to his air-conditioned vanity to rest, Rajinikanth would lie down on the floor of the set.

Amitabh Bachchan said in his video message, “During the shooting of Hum, I used to relax in my AC vehicle and Rajini used to sleep on the floor during breaks. Seeing him so simple, I came out of the vehicle and relaxed outside.” This video message was played during the Vettaiyaan event in Chennai.

Directed by TJ Gnanavel, Vettaiyaan features Thalaivar as an encounter specialist IPS officer while Amitabh Bachchan plays his senior officer. The film will release in theatres on October 10 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

Earlier, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth have also shared the screen in films like Andha Kanoon and Girftaar.