The differences in Movie Artiste Association (MAA) have turned ugly once again, brandishing itself in front of Telugu cinema bigwigs such as Chiranjeevi, Mohan Babu, Krishnam Raju, Murali Mohan and Jayasudha.
The actor interrupted Chiranjeevi’s speech, snatched the mike from him and tried accusing MAA of improper behaviour. The senior actors present were livid. Chiranjeevi asked MAA to take disciplinary action. An ugly spat ensued.
Actor Rajasekhar was on bad behaviour. Things took a turn for the worse when Chiranjeevi asked the MAA committee to take disciplinary action against the actor.
It all started with one of Chiranjeevi’s best speeches in his career about the MAA and how it could take the Telugu cinema to newer heights. He spoke about how he and Nagarjuna had met CM KCR a couple of days ago. He emphasised on how KCR wanted to now focus on the Telugu film industry (TFI) and added that this was a good opportunity for the TFI to take everyone’s issues to the CM.
Then, the actor talked about meeting and requesting K.T. Rama Rao to allot land for MAA. “He responded positively, but I hadn’t announced that then because of the differences within MAA. Now, I request all to work together for the industry and its people’s development,” he added.
Chiranjeevi also talked about his recent meeting with AP CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. “We discussed the Nandi awards and he responded by asking us for suggestions on how he needs to take it forward. As there isn’t a cinematography ministry in AP, the CM will hand that portfolio to Avanti Srinivas or another.
After allotting the portfolio, he’ll send the concerned officials to discuss the pending awards,” Chiranjeevi said.
As Chiranjeevi was concluding his long solo speech, unable to take it any more, Rajasekhar snatched the mic from him and started pointing out issues in MAA which needed to be addressed. He said, “Chiranjeevi spoke very well. The elections for Movie Artiste Association were held in March and I’ve not done any films since. I’ve only been working hard for MAA because of which I’ve been facing problems at home; I even had a car accident due to the stress of those issues,” he said.
Chiranjeevi stepped in, shouting, “I just said we’ll discuss the issues elsewhere, but you’re going on and on.” Then, condemning Rajasekhar’s behaviour, he asked the MAA disciplinary committee to take action against him.
But Rajasekhar wouldn’t stop, “All of us act as heroes in films, but when we work as real-life heroes, people crush us.”
Soon, actor Mohan Babu and actress Jayasudha also tried to stop Rajasekhar, but to no avail. And when they told him he didn’t have to be a part of MAA if he wasn’t interested, Rajasekhar retorted, saying, “We want to come; that’s why we were here, but we also want to tell the truth.”
Despite support from 18 members in the MAA executive body, this incident has cost Rajasekhar sympathies among those present there. Later Jeevitha, Rajasekhar’s wife, apologised to Chiranjeevi and others for the incident. She said, “He’s like a kid, cannot hide his feelings or emotions.” She tried to explain further, where Rajashekar’s behaviour was coming from, but the seniors present there, cut her short.
Later, Rajasekhar sent his resignation from MAA board.
