Chennai: Tamil Nadu film industry, which had displayed the signs of 'disunity' over
the manner of protest, demanding release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu by
Karnataka, appeared to have closed their ranks, with the Tamil film super star
Rajnikant, on October 11 postponing his fast by a day, agreeing to the request of
South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIFAA) chief Vijaykant.
The rally by film personalities would take place on October 12 at Neyveli and
Rajnikant's fast would take place on October 13.
Rajnikant, who had initially not approved of the rally, and announced his
independent course of action of going on fast, bowed to the appeal made by Vijaykant
and postponed his protest by a day from October 12 to 13 enabling other artistes to
participate in the fast also.
Artistes owing allegience to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), who had been asked
by their leader M Karunanidhi not to participate in any "agitation" had now been
allowed by him to participate in the rally as Vijaykant had assured that it would be
peaceful one and would be headed by him, R Saratkumar, SIFAA general secretary and
DMK MP told reporters.
Senior artistes Kamal Hassan, Radhika, renowned directors Bharatiraja, K Balachander
are among those who will be participating in the rally on October 12, film industry
sources said, adding that over 300 artistes would participate in the rally, which
would be attended by all sections of the industry.
A delegation of the industry would submit a memorandum to the Neyveli Lignite
Corporation chairman S Jayaraman at the end of the rally, demanding stoppage of
power to Karnataka.
In solidarity with the rally, Cinema houses in the state will down their shutters on
October 13.
PTI
