Actors must stop blaming govt: Minister D Jayakumar

Chennai: Fisheries minister D. Jayakumar on Thursday dismissed charges by actor Vishal that the government was protecting moneylender Anbu Chezhian, who is being blamed for the suicide of the associate of a film-maker, and asked the film fraternity not to level baseless allegation.

He also suggested that actors, directors and producers could come together and contribute Rs 1 crore each to set up a corpus fund with a value of Rs 500 crore to disburse loans at cheaper interest rates for small-time producers, who according to the film fraternity, make movies after paying high interest rates to money lenders, instead of “delivering sermons” to the government.

Jayakumar took an indirect dig at Vishal and Kamal Haasan, who have been openly voicing their opinion against the AIADMK government on several peoples' issues, asking them to first set their house in order before doling out solutions to problems in society.

 Vishal, the general secretary of Nadigar Sangam and head of the Producers' Council, had on Wednesday accused several politicians, some of whom are ministers, of shielding Chezhian and had declared that nothing would stop them from moving against the money lender, who is being accused of charging sky-high interest rates.

 “We have been hearing advice from film stars on several issues and instead of lecturing us they should do something to address the concerns of their own brethren. These people have Nadigar Sangam, Producers' Council and other organisations. Why can't these people contribute Rs 1 crore each to create a corpus fund to provide loans to small-time producers,” Jayakumar said.

He was responding to questions on Vishal's statement and what was the government's stand on his allegations. Jayakumar said though the government would do its bit in alleviating their problems, the industry should not sit back and enjoy.

“Let them do their bit and we will do our bit. Why blame us for everything? And why level allegations without any basis?” he asked.

Kamal voices concern over prevalence of usury

Condoling the “untimely death”of associate of a film-maker, Tamil film icon Kamal Haasan  voiced concern over the prevalence of usury, saying it affected various sections including farmers and the cinema industry. “Law and the cinema industry should end the atrocities of usury which affects those ranging from farmers to cinema professionals who are believed to be rich,”Kamal said in a post on his official Twitter page. “Such an untimely death of Ashok Kumar should not recur,” he said, even as the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) expressed grief over Kumar’s alleged suicide. Producers’ Council chief actor Vishal also gave an assurance that solutions will be provided if producers affected by ‘usury’approached his association for redressal.