With the elections in Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Film Artistes’ Association) – the body representing actors working in theatre and film in Tamil Nadu – around the corner, prominent actors have dissented over the conduct of some of the business of the Sangam.
Leading this wave of dissent are actors Vishal and Nasser, who have raised pointed questions over the past months regarding the proposed plan to construct a ‘multiplex’ on the sprawling property (18 grounds) owned by Nadigar Sangam Charitable Trust on Habibullah Road in T. Nagar in partnership with SPI cinemas. The land was leased out for a period of 30 years.
Actor Nasser released to the media a letter he had written to actor Sarath Kumar, president of Nadigar Sangam, in which he demanded that the latter provide details on this deal signed in 2010, which has since been caught in a legal tangle after a member of the Nadigar Sangam, P. Murugan, obtained a stay on the proposed plan. In his letter, Nasser demanded a special executive meeting to discuss the case in detail.
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Actors Nasser and Vishal have questioned the circumstances under which the deal was signed and have persistently sought clarification. “We are neither alleging that Sarath Kumar has done something wrong nor are we against developing the property for the benefit of the members. We only requested a special meeting, in which the real status of the building and the case pertaining to it, are explained in the presence of all the members. But they (office bearers) have been abusing us and levying all sorts of allegations that we are here to split the association. That shows there is something shady,” says Nasser.
Further pointing out that a trust must function with 9 trustees, the actors alleged that president and secretary Radha Ravi had unilaterally taken a decision on developing the land without any wider consultation. Nasser and Vishal also alleged that while members are always advised against talking to the media, the trustees often speak to the media to deflect criticism.
“We want a transparent discussion on the case. If there are problems, let us start afresh,” said Nasser.
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Vishal's three questions:
Actor Vishal, who has been vocal about these issues, was recently in Pudukottai to meet the theatre actors and understand what they think of the plan laid out by current office bearers.
“Because there has been no clear answer about the deal, I am forced to take the democratic route and contest elections,” said actor Vishal.
Speaking about the conflict, actor Vishal said that he had three questions for the office bearers.
“First, Justice Chandru has observed that ‘All is not well with the trust’. Subsequently, Justices Banumathy and K .Sasidharan dismissed the appeal filed by Sarath Kumar. We want Mr. Sarath Kumar to clarify and reflect on these observations. Second, when you use bylaw 13 to remove senior comedian Kumarimuthu and few others, why did you not take appropriate action on vice-President, K. N. Kaalai, who openly referred to actors as ‘dogs’? Three, why was there no wider consultation with the members before signing of the deal with SPI Cinemas? Why did you not call for and consider other proposals?”
'Creating confusion'
Actor Sarath Kumar, President, Nadigar Sangam said “We have explained it many times. I cannot say the same things again and again. They are creating confusion before the upcoming elections to the Nadigar Sangam. I don’t know why Nasser sent his letter addressed to me to the press. I will personally give him a fitting reply.”