The widely popular moviestar, Rajinikanth will not be attending Narendra Modi's swearing in ceremony, reports NDTV.
Whilst the actor said he will be on a film set in Hyderabad, his decision comes amidst increasing criticism and protests over the presence of the Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the ceremony.
In the run up to the election, Mr Modi met with Rajinikanth in his home in Chennai.
The ceremony is due to take place tonight, 6pm local time.
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Tamil Nadu students protest against Rajapaksa invite (24 May 2014)
Congress sides with Tamil Nadu over Modi's Rajapaksa invite (24 May 2014)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister 'dismayed' at Rajapaksa invite for Modi swearing-in ceremony (22 May 2014)
Tamil Nadu parties criticise Rajapaksa's invitation to Modi's swearing-in ceremony (22 May 2014)
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