Producers' Cause gets CM Support
QUEEN’S ROAD: The producer-artiste war reached another level on Monday when Jayasimha Musuri went on a indefinite hunger strike with a note saying that Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and Artistes’ Association should be held responsible if he dies.
The producer is heading the strike with two others, Krishnedra Pandit K, S J Nandihal, participating. They haven’t even had water for the past 48 hours.
Actor-politicial Jayamala and activist Vatal Nagaraj visited Jayasimha on Tuesday afternoon. Later Nagaraj met the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has directed Minister for Information Roshan Baig to sort out the issue.
Jayasimha’s brother and producer Gurudutt Musuri, who spoke on behalf of the rest of the producers, to City Express said that the strike was not a publicity gimmick. “Jayasimha felt it was safer to write a note. He is not in a position to talk now. The earlier strike has not had an impact and even our meeting with Ambareesh failed,” Gurudutt said.
KFCC president Thomas D’Souza is trying to persuade Jayasimha to end the hunger strike. He, however, is determined not to do so till the artistes’ and producers’ associations meet.
Producers’ Association president Munirathna is planning to meet Ambareesh at 12 pm today.
Gurudutt said that only around 14 films a year are by big producers. “Around 100 films made by medium-level producers, featuring second and third-line actors, are out in the market,” he added.
The group of producers, Gurudutt said, is ready to apologise to Ambareesh.
“We producers performed ayusha homa when he was seriously ill. Of course, we heard a few producers shouting slogans against him. But, what nobody noticed was that none of the artistes turned up to support their president.”
