Various associations of Tamil film industry will observe a fast in Chennai on Tuesday to express their solidarity for anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who is on a hunger strike in New Delhi.
Organised by Tamil Film Industry Co-Ordination Committee, the one-day fast between 9 am and 5 pm will see the participation of actors, actresses, directors, producers and others.
Producer Chitra Lakshmanan, who is coordinating the fast, said, “Those who want to express their support for the cause can join the fast. It is our way of showing concern for the society”.
SA Chandrasekar, Cheran, Radha Ravi, Kalaipuli G Sekaran and many others are expected to take part in this event.
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The Anna Hazare phenomenon may not have taken the South by storm as it has the north, but Kollywood has identified a star in the Gandhian and decided to observe a fast here on Tuesday to extend support to his movement.
A good turnout from the Tamil film industry is expected to participate in the one-day token strike, though it is not recognised as the official stance of the state’s film industry. Film federation of India president L Suresh said the federation was inviting all members of the Tamil film industry to take part in the one-day fast.
The organisers are expecting directors, producers, actors and technicians to join the fast. Suresh said associations like the Tamil Film Producers Council, the Film Employees Federation of South India and the South Indian Artistes Association would participate in the fast, scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm.
Participation would be voluntary, and for the same reason, on-going shooting schedules would not be disrupted. Suresh said those who were interested could participate.
A good number of the fraternity appeared enthused by the fast call, including director and actor, Cheran. “I’m definitely participating in the fast that is being organised by the film chamber. I don’t support anyone in particular like Anna Hazare or the Congress. I am all for anything to do with fighting corruption. Supporting such a cause for a day is absolutely fine and there is nothing wrong in it. I want to voice my views so that the next generation will get to live in a corruption- free world”, Cheran told ET.
A film chamber member who did not want to be identified, said anyone from the film fraternity was welcome to participate in the fast, which was being organised for a social cause. “We are not against the central government, we just want to voice our views. We have not forced anyone to come and participate in the fast, and nor have we asked anyone to stop shooting schedules. Some directors and producers have agreed to take part in the fast. We expect at least 500 people to join the fast”, he said.
However, not all have the same enthusiasm. Director S A Chandrasekhar said, “I don’t think I would be participating in the fast. And I don’t think the total film industry would be participating in it.”
R Sarathkumar, president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association, was unavailable for comment.
The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam (traders’ association) will also observe a one-day strike tomorrow supporting Hazare and to protest the move to allow foreign investment in retail trade.
10 Things to know about Anna Hazare and Jan Lok Pal Bill…
1. Who is Anna Hazare?
An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War
2. What’s so special about him?
He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra3. So what?
This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.
In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.
4. Ok,…?
This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.
5. Really, what is he fighting for?
He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.
6. How that can be possible?
He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.
8. It’s an entirely new thing right..?
In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).
7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?
The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.
Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the JAN LOKPAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.
8. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?
A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.
9. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?
Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.
Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.
10. Ok, got it. What can I do?
At least we can spread the message.
At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.
At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.
At least we can pray for his good health.
Thanks for reading.
Please Spread This msg As Much As You Can ‘n Tell Others To Do The Same.. !
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