Nadigar Sangam not to back any party: Vishal

Ending speculations that the Nadigar Sangam (also known as South Indian Artists’ Association) may use their influence as a representative union of the film industry to support parties contesting the upcoming Assembly elections, Vishal said that the Nadigar Sangam will not get involved in campaigning activities. He admitted that a few political parties had indeed approached the Sangam seeking their support to help boost their poll campaigns. 

However, he hastened to add that though prominent members of the Sangam were active members of political parties in the state, the South Indian Artists’ Association would not interfere in any of the individual members’ political agenda. “It is completely their personal choice. As an individual, members can campaign for any political party,” the general secretary of the over 3,000-member body said. Vishal said apart from cinema, the Nadigar Sangam, of late, has been taking up numerous social causes. The actors were actively involved in volunteering and distributing relief materials during last year’s floods that hit Chennai, which led to widespread speculation about their political alliances.

The actor clarified that all social causes were only for fund-raising and charity. He said that his first priority now was to bring the entire industry together, irrespective of everyone’s political leanings, at a cricket match to be hosted at the Chepauk stadium on April 10. 

Nadigar Sangam, originally floated as South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) when it was first launched in 1952 is a union for film, television, and stage actors. The group has its own charity schemes such as the Guru Dakshina to provide support to junior artistes, have also voiced support for actors caught in controversy, and have collectively protested socio-political issues. 

Vishal’s team had recently successfully retrieved for the Sangam the 18-ground parcel of land from SPI Cinemas. 

It may be noted that former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran was president of the Sangam in 1957 and later in 1961. Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder leader Vijayakanth, All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) founder leader Sarathkumar were two recent prominent faces of the Sangam. BJP’s state vice-president  Napoleon and popular comedian and AIADMK MP late SS Chandran were actively involved in politics.