CHENNAI: The Annual General Body Meeting of the South Indian Film Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) on Sunday unanimously decided to expel Sarathkumar and Radha Ravi from the association over alleged misappropriation of funds. There were violent clashes between Sarathkumar and Vishal supporters when the former president was not allowed to enter the meeting venue.
Addressing the media, Vishal of Pandavar Ani said a resolution was passed and the decision was legally valid. “Official letters regarding this will reach them in a day or two. The expelled members naturally become ineligible to take part in the meeting,” he added. Following this announcement, Vishal’s office was reportedly attacked by four unidentified men. “I was told that a few were pelting stones at my building. A police complaint will be lodged by the Sangam against those who indulged in violence. Also, Karunas’s car has been damaged.”
Vishal said the team would streamline permanent memberships for artistes in the Sangam, besides incorporating insurance cover and other benefits for the members. Nasser added that the Sangam had been helping indigent artistes for their welfare and upflift. The meeting saw leading actors like Vikram, Sivakarthikeyan and Vijay Sethupathi among many. When the general secretary was questioned as to why the ‘heroes of the masses’ couldn’t make it to the venue, he said he could not force people to attend meetings.
“All the team would do is invite. Participation is up to them. Even Kamal Haasan couldn’t attend the session physically, but he was there with us on Skype,” he said.
Vishal said the Sangam had obtained permission from the Registrar of Societies and police to hold the meeting at T Nagar. When asked about the funds collected so far, he said the Sangam had `8.50 crore in fixed deposits.
Karthi said, “There had been mismanagement of funds in the past and it’s proved. We have the related evidence about it.”