The Paandavar Ani hosted a victory meet at the Green Park hotel around 11 am today (25th Oct), with the Paandavas in attendance, minus actor / comedian Karunas. Actors Sreeman, Nanda, Mohan, Prasanna, Ritheesh, Kovai Sarala, KS Ravikumar, Sangeetha, Pasupathy, Perarasu, among many who turned up, came to extend their gratitude & support for the Nadigar Sangam. Along with the host of celebrities, the Directors Union, Producers council, FEFSI union, PRO union, Television PRO union, Cinema Journalist Union cheered on, honored & lent their helping hands to the new council. It was in fact a delight to see the unity between the actors even after the much-talked-about personal attacks during the elections.
True to his post, the leader, the new President of the Nadigar Sangam, Nasser arrived first and welcomed everyone. Nasser expressed that he is a little anxious and scared. He also requested to be addressed as the South Indian Artists Association / Then-India Nadigar Sangam & not Paandavar Ani anymore. He soon left to resume another Members’ meeting with regard to the Revenue details for the Nadigar Sangam.
General Secretary, actor Vishal said that the meet was just to thank everyone for all their efforts & inform about the proceedings. He also explained that a lot has been spoken and that it is now time for execution. The unexpected highlight however was when he confirmed that Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan will be one of the Trustees. He also invited actors to register themselves at the Nadigar Sangam.
Actor Ponvannan, the Vice President pointed out that, out of their 41 testimonies already 5 have been implemented. The most important issues like medical benefits, educational allowances, creating a database of the members, increasing the monthly allowances for existing members, the Swami Shankar Das Award etc have been addressed & are in line to get executed.
The treasurer, actor Karthi insisted on the necessity to know each member, their family, their needs & the importance of creating a database.
Ishari Ganesh, Founder-Chairman-Chancellor of the Vels University, who is also a member of the Nadigar Sangam for over 30 years, announced that the monthly allotment for the artistes will increase from Rs.500 to Rs.1000. Renowned institutions like Jeppiaar, SRM, Ramachandra, Bharat, Vels etc have offered Educational & Medical benefits for the members and immediate family of the artistes who are part of the Nadigar Sangam. The Vidhyodaya Trust also made a generous donation of Rs.1,00,000.
When questioned about the SpiCinemas deal, actor Ponvannan conveyed that the documents regarding the deal have not yet reached them and a detailed discussion will be done with regard to that. Actor Vishal further stressed on the importance of drama actors & their welfare, and intends the Nadigar Sangam land to be utilized for benefits & income in favor of the cinema community. When quizzed about the cash & other deposit amounts in the treasury, actor Vishal cleared the air stating that there is Rs.21,37,017 in the bank and fixed deposits to the amount of Rs.77,25,000.
Overall, It was a very energetic yet calm event. This team was like witnessing ‘One force for a good cause’. It is also heard that The Nadigar Sangam has scheduled a members’ meeting which is taking place today at Le Royal Meridian Hotel.
Madurya Srikanth
