Tamil film industry halts work – for Sri Lankan Tamils
Chennai : Tamil stars Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar and Kamal Haasan were among a large number of Tamil actors who observed a day-long protest here Tuesday to denounce the “war crimes” on Sri Lankan Tamils.
“We as an industry stand united for our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka,” said Sarath Kumar, president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIFAA), as a day-long fast ended.
He demanded “strict action” against the Sri Lankan regime for killing a large number of innocent Tamils in the war against the Tamil Tigers which destroyed the rebels in 2009.
“We also urge the central government to take notice of the situation of Tamils in Sri Lanka and organise rehabilitation for them,” he added.
Actors turned up in hundreds to support the fast organised by SIFAA at T. Nagar here. This is the second fast after March 19 which was organised by Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association (TANTIS).
Prakash Raj, Vishal Krishna, Silambarasan, Dhanush, Bharath, Jiiva, Jeyam Ravi, Arya, Suriya, Karthi, Lakshmi Rai, Ramya Krishnan and Lakshmy Ramakrishnan also observed a silent protest.
Many actors who couldn’t be part of the fast March 19 were present. All shootings were cancelled Tuesday while theatres remained closed during the fast.
However, there were no mikes and no speeches.
“One reason we are not using microphone is that we don’t want tempers to flare,” a member of SIFAA told IANS.
Kamal, Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, Suriya and Karthi are among those who couldn’t join the March 19 fast.
Tamil actor Vijay, currently shooting in Australia, expressed regret that he was not able to join the Chennai hunger strike.
“I am currently shooting for my film ‘Thalaivaa’ in Australia and couldn’t make it to the fast. I regret not being present in this movement,” Vijay said in a statement.
Tamil Nadu has been in ferment in recent weeks over the death of thousands of Tamils in the end stages of the war in Sri Lanka that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009.
