Chennai, May 17 -- Megastar Rajinikanth on Sunday dismissed speculation surrounding his meetings with former Chief Minister MK Stalin after Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, asserting that his friendship with DMK chief was "beyond politics" and that he was neither jealous nor politically opposed to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Addressing a press conference at his Poes Garden residence here, Rajinikanth said he decided to speak publicly as several criticisms against him were circulating on social media and in political circles.

"I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being made about me in connection with the election. If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the truth," he said.

The actor clarif...