CHENNAI: Kollywood’s ‘Pandavar Ani’, which is taking on the Sarathkumar-Radha Ravi group in the upcoming South Indian Film Artistes’ Association (SIFAA) elections this month, got the backing of veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Thursday even as actor Sarathkumar filed his nomination papers for the post of president.
Kamal proposed the nomination of veteran character artiste Nasser, who has teamed up with young actor Vishal and others, in what is turning out to be the most intensely fought elections to the SIFAA in recent decades. Nasser is contesting for the post of president.
“We met Kamal while he was at work and therefore couldn’t talk much but he gave us suggestions on what all could be done to modernise theatre and help artistes. He then proposed my name and it was seconded by actor Mohan,” Nasser told Express.
Meanwhile, Sarathkumar accompanied by a large number of his supporters filed his nomination papers at the SIFAA office on Habibullah Road in T Nagar. Even as the battle for the Nadigar Sangam (SIFAA) seems to be picking up heat with each passing day as both factions are leaving no stone unturned to garner the support of artistes and thereby win the elections that are scheduled to be held on October 18, actors who are close to members of both factions are in a dilemma.
One such artiste, actress Roja, on Thursday, issued a statement that reflected this predicament. She said, “Problems arising in associations is nothing new. A few years ago, when a similar problem arose in the Directors’ Union, veteran directors like Bharathiraja, R K Selvamani, P Vasu and K S Ravikumar intervened, spoke to both factions and resolved it in an amicable manner. I wish the SIFAA too follows this example and becomes one big family where we are all friends. For this to happen, I appeal to veterans like Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan to intervene and resolve it amicably.”