HUBBALLI:The Kannada film industry descended on Hubballi on Sunday to back farmers agitating for a speedy solution to the Mahadayi river dispute and implementation of the Kalasa-Banduri project.
Thousands of people came to the city to express solidarity with the farmers and cheer their favourite stars. The rally, held under the banner of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce at Chennamma Circle, brought the city to a halt for over three hours.
This was the first time in years that the film industry came together in such large numbers to support a cause.
Karnataka plans to utilise 7.56 tmcft of water from Kalasa and Banduri tributaries of Mahadayi to meet the drinking water needs of northern Karnataka, including Belagavi, Gadag, Hubballi and Dharwad. But neighbouring Goa is objecting to it and the dispute is pending before a tribunal.
Some big names from the industry, including Shivarajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Darshan, Upendra, Ganesh, Rockline Venkatesh, Sa Ra Govindu, B Saroja Devi, Jayamala, Shruthi, Bharati Vishnuvardhan, Malashri and Pooja Gandhi, participated.
On their arrival, the actors, directors, producers and technicians drove to Moorusavir Mutt to receive the blessings of Gurusidda Rajayogindra swami. They then went to the venue in open trucks. The procession went through Dajbanpeth, Koppikar Road and Lamington Road before culminating at Chennamma Circle. The rally was planned for only 30 minutes, but it took around 90 minutes to cover less than 2 km as the public gathered in large numbers.
‘We Are With You’: Addressing the rally, Shivarajkumar, son of late Sandalwood icon Rajkumar, said the voice raised here should be heard in Bengaluru and New Delhi. The Kannada film industry and the people of this region will make it happen, he said.
“Be it Nargund, Navalgund or Belagavi, the film fraternity is ready to support any cause. Inform us in advance and we will be there,” he said. He also appealed to the government to waive off agriculture loans in the wake of the drought.
Budding star Yash said gatherings in such large numbers for a day would not serve any purpose. “Every day people should agitate and put pressure on the government.”
Actor Ravichandran said the film fraternity has not shown unity in resolving their own grievances, but has united for the farmers.
Minister Ignored? Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashri arrived at the fag end of the rally. As she stepped on the podium, Shivarajkumar continued with his address. As the end of his speech, most actors left the dais without acknowledging her presence. But Rajkumar Fans Club president Sa Ra Govindu welcomed the minister, a senior actress. She spoke a few words and left.