The film and entertainment industry in Tamil Nadu came to a standstill on Tuesday -to express its anguish over the conviction and sentencing of former fraternity member and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case by a Bangalore Special Court on Saturday.
All film related works were cancelled and theatres across the State downed the shutters to express solidarity with Jayalalithaa in the hour of crisis. Shooting and post production works of television serials too were cancelled for the day.All prominent actors except Kamal Hasan, Rajnikanth and Ajith joined the day-long fast along with producers, directors and technicians. “This is not a protest. We want to show our love, respect and affection for Jayalalithaa who is one of us. We are expressing our solidarity with her in this hour of crisis,” T Siva, secretary, Tamil Film Producers Association told The Pioneer.
He said the decision to stage the agitation was taken late Monday and that is the reason some of the actors could not make it to the venue. Kamal Hasan is not well and Ajith is out of station,” he said.Popular stars Sarat Kumar, Soorya, Karthik, Vikram and Ajith joined the sit-in which also had many top movie makers, producers and master technicians. “Jayalalithaa has done a lot for the film industry. She only saved the Tamil film industry from the clutches of a particular family. We all want her to come back soon and take over the state administration,” said Siva.
There were no speeches or slogan raising as the stars and film personalities sat and fasted throughout the day. “This is our way of expressing solidarity with Amma. She has done a lot for the film industry. Don’t consider this as a protest. We all pray for the speedy release of Amma from all charges and she occupies the top chair at the earliest,” said Sarat Kumar.
Elsewhere in the State AIADMK workers continued their sit-in fasts and demonstrations. Nirmala Seetharaan, Union Minister for Trade and Commerce, who was in Chennai to attend an official function said that reports about widespread rioting in the State were a matter of concern. “I can understand the anguish of the AIADMK workers. They have every right to protest. But it should not be at the cost of law and order. Nobody should take law and order in their hands,” the Minister told reporters in Chennai.