Chennai: With the hullaballoo surrounding the high profile election having settled down, newly elected office bearers of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes Association) are just swinging into action mode.
After their first executive committee meeting on Sunday, the president Nasser, told the press, “We don’t want to be identified as ‘Pandavar Ani’ anymore. We also heard our name being misused in some other union elections. We are now Nadigar Sangam representatives and have assumed office. We stand united. After winning the elections our responsibilities have grown higher.”
Vishal was happy to announce that actor Kamal Haasan had agreed to be one of the trustees of the general council of the sangam. Vice-president Ponvannan said five out of 41 promises made in the election manifesto have already been fulfilled and the rest would be initiated soon.
Many including educationist and former actor Isari Ganesh and Suriya announced financial assistance to needy stage and cinema artistes. Suriya donated Rs 10 lakhs to the association.
Thaanu, president of Tamil Film Producers Council and members of Tamil Nadu Directors Association including Vikraman and RK Selvamani who openly extended their support to Sarathkumar were also present on the occasion to wish the new office bearers.
‘No politics please, we are nadigars’
Speaking to DC on the sidelines of the event, general secretary of Nadigar Sangam, Vishal said, “Our first priority is to build our dream state-of-the-art building. It will be built to world class standards in three years and those who come to Chennai from other parts of the country should visit and be awe of it.”
“First we have to return the money to SPI Cinemas and cancel the agreement. And for raising funds as agreed earlier, some of us would work in a film free of cost and the money raised through it will be used for the construction of the building,” he added.
The lanky actor affirms that their team does not want to conduct ‘Star Nites’ as they don’t believe in ‘forcing’ other artistes to come and perform for free.
“Instead we are pondering over the idea of conducting cricket matches apart from the regular Celebrity Cricket matches and raise money”, he said.
Vishal also said they do not want to bring politics inside the Nadigar Sangam.
“We as artistes do not belong to any political party. We don’t want to bring politics inside our association. The government is there to take care of the public and they are functioning extremely well. So, there won’t be stuff like fasting, protests for issues like Cauvery water issue etc. I reiterate that Nadigar Sangam is for the ‘welfare’ of the artistes.”
On bringing Kamal on board, he said, “Kamal sir is a well wisher of the team. We can discuss any issue including the plans for the new building with the stalwart. His valuable guidance is very important to us”. Vishal did not wish to reply to a question if Rajinikanth would also be invited to be the part of the trustees.
When queried if action would be taken on the other team for their alleged mismanagement, he said, “We will have to audit the last 10 years account of the Sangam to know the situation. If found guilty, though we are not here to take action on them, yes, they will be exposed publicly.”
Vishal revealed that the cases filed against the proposed multiplex building by Vidhyodaya Colony, Habibulla Road Residents Association etc. would eventually be withdrawn, as his team is averse to building a multiplex there.
Reminded of his earlier statement that he would get married once he wins the SIAA election, Vishal ended the conversation on a lighter vein saying, “Marriage can wait! The need of the hour is Nadigar Sangam building.”
