Tamil Nadu actors don't want new troubles

(October 28, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) With the State government softening its stand over the Lankan issue by recanting on its resignation threat, the Nadigar Sangam, which has planned a fast on 1 November on the emotive issue, is looking to give the whole thing a different spin.

With the majority of top actors and actresses staying away from the hastily cvobbled up protest stage-managed in Rameswaram a few days back, the Nadigar Sangam-backed protest-fast on 1 November was expected to be a show of emotions and much more.

But with the DMK supremo and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi signalling a change of heart on the issue, the Lankan Tamil matter is off the boil in Tamilnadu.

In the event, the Nadigar Sangam event may turn out to be an event that is high on show but little of substance.

Sources in the Nadigar Sangam confirm emotions and tempers would not flare at the proposed one-day fast organised by the association over the Lankan issue.

'We are going ahead with the day-long fast at the Nadigar Sangam premises only to show our solidarity for the Tamils in the island nation,' the sources said.

Already, the Tamil filmdom is finding itself in a spot of bother after the rabble-rousing rally take on 19 October at Rameswaram.

Led by veteran director Bharathiraja, the rally was attended by directors and producers in large numbers. Representatives from the Nadigar Sangam, though expressd their solidaritry for the rally, did not turn up at Rameswaram.

Tempers flared at the meeting in which angry words were poured at the actors for noting attending the rally. Emotional speeches marked the occasio. Directors Ameer and Seeman, and a few others, crossed the line of acceptability.

Eventually cases of sedition were filed against them and they were arrested by 'Q' Branch police and remanded to judicial custody in Rameswaram leading to a series of protests in Chennai by film associations.

A similar protest organised by Nadigar Sangam for the 'vexatious' Hogenakkal issue ended up in controversy with actors like Sathyaraj spewing venom at their men.

But the Nadigar Sangam event will be decidedly low-key. Sources also said following the arrest of directors Seeman and Ameer, it has been decided that the members of the Nadigar Sangam would stage a silent protest and avoid controversial remarks.

A grand dais has been erected at the Nadigar Sangam for the fast which would be staged between 8 am and 4 pm and over 1000 members of the association are expected to attend. Rumours are doing rounds that both Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan have confirmed their participation in the fast.

Nadigar Sangam president R Sarath Kumar having a look at the stage being erected for the actors’ protest to be held on 1 November to express solidarity to Sri Lankan Tamils. - Sri Lanka Guardian