Telugu Film Chamber members for unanimous prez, C Kalyan steps in to force polls?

With the elections for Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce slated to be held on July 31, the 1200-odd members of producers sector were holding parleys to elect a president unanimously. However, their plans went awry with producer C Kalyan stepping into the race to force a contest.

“Popular producer Puskur Ram Mohan Rao was supposed to be elected as president unanimously. In fact, most of the members agreed to his candidature. But now, things have taken a new turn,” says a member on condition of anonymity.

Actually, it is the turn of producers to take up the presidency of the chamber this time. For the last few days, all was set for Ram Mohan Rao, who also served as TFDC chairman and also a noted exhibitor and distributor, to take up the mantle after July 31.

“The 1,200-odd members of the producers' sector resolved to avoid a contest this time. All of them decided to elect Ram Mohan for the top post, considering his vast experience. He also understands industry woes and has capacity to address them,” the member adds.

Interestingly, these are not direct president elections, rather members first elect ‘executive members’ from four sectors comprising producers, exhibitors, distributors and studio owners. “The 3,000-odd members from four sectors elect 44 executive members who in turn elect the president along with four sector chairpersons, unlike other bodies,” informs another member.

Despite many members resolving to avert a clash among producers, veteran producer C. Kalyan has evinced his interest to contest elections and disturbed their plans. “C. Kalyan served as a president three to four years ago. If he wants, he can avoid the elections to give an opportunity to another member. We hope he will withdraw and give deserving Ram Mohan a chance,” concludes the member.