Parrikar goofs up on Rajinikanth's name, apologises

Panaji, Nov 20 (IANS) Newly-installed union Defence Minister -- and former Goa chief minister -- Manohar Parrikar Thursday almost incurred southern cinema czar Rajinikanth's wrath when he missed out on mentioning the legendary actor's name while formally acknowledging the presence of dignitaries present at the 45th IFFI inauguration ceremony here.

After reading out the names of Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, state Governor Mridula Sinha, Parrikar appeared to have missed out on Rajinikanth's name.

But the former Goa chief minister, known for his ready wit, immediately made up for the lapse with a smile.

Addressing Rajnikanth with a sheepish smile, Parrikar said: "Sorry for that goof. I had written (the names down). Forgot the paper down there."

Rajinikanth, known for his fiery persona onscreen but gentle otherwise, smiled back with equal warmth.