Latest news with #NadigarSangam
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Holding Nadigar Sangam elections now could be catastrophic: actors Nasser, Vishal, and Karthi tell Madras HC
A civil suit has been filed in the Madras High Court against the continuance of actors Nasser, Vishal Krishna, and Karthi as president, general secretary, and treasurer, respectively, of the South Indian Artistes Association, popularly known as Nadigar Sangam, post expiry of their three-year elected term on March 19, 2025. V. Nambirajan, a 79-year-old member of the association, has filed the suit for declaring as illegal a resolution passed at the 68th annual general meeting (AGM) held on September 8, 2024, for extending the tenure of the office-bearers for three more years. He also sought a restraint order against the current office-bearers. Filing a detailed counter affidavit before Justice K. Kumaresh Babu, Mr. Vishal said, the Nadigar Sangam was established by stalwarts of South Indian cinema for the welfare of drama and film artistes. The association got registered under the Societies Registration Act in 1952, and it has 2,900 members as of now. The present team of office-bearers contested the 2015 elections under the banner of 'Pandavar Ani' and emerged victorious. The team began constructing a convention centre on 18 grounds and 2,061 square feet of land belonging to the Nadigar Sangam at Habibullah Road in T. Nagar, Chennai, at a cost of ₹25 crore. However, when its term ended in 2018, only 60% of the construction had been completed. Though elections were conducted in 2019 under the supervision of a retired High Court judge, the results could not be declared till 2022 because the issue was mired in legal disputes. After Pandavar Ani was declared re-elected, it found that substantial repair works had to be carried out to the unfinished building before continuing the construction work. Hence, it obtained a loan of ₹25 crore from State Bank of India and also from a few individuals, besides securing donations. Finally, the construction work of the convention hall, a dream project of the association, commenced on April 26, 2024, and at present, 85% of the work has been completed, the counter affidavit filed on behalf of Mr. Nasser and Mr. Karthi as well, through the Nadigar Sangam counsel Krishna Ravindran, read. To ensure the present team continues to be in office until the completion of the construction work, one of the members S.R. Sekar moved a resolution at the 68th AGM for extending their tenure by three more years. The August 23, 2024, proposal was signed by 311 other members and was passed unanimously. Stating the litigant had not attended either the 2024 AGM or any other AGM ever since he became a member of the association in 2015, the office bearers said he appeared to have been used as a proxy litigant by some disgruntled elements who want to disrupt the functioning of the association. Mr. Vishal wondered how the plaintiff, Mr. Nambirajan, could have paid over ₹3 lakh towards court fee for insituting the present civil suit when he had sought financial aid and medical assistance from the association citing his indigent condition and was a beneficiary of the association's monthly pension scheme. 'This clearly indicates that the suit is being prosecuted at the behest of others and the applicant/plaintiff is a proxy who had filed the case with the malafide intention of derailing the completion of the valuable convention centre which would also house the office of the association,' the counter added.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vishal breaks silence on Nadigar Sangam term extension controversy
As per the bylaws of the South Indian Artistes' Association (Nadigar Sangam), elections are to be held once every three years. However, due to pending legal cases, the results of the 2019 elections were only declared in 2022—nearly two and a half years later. The tenure of the team led by actor Nasser, which took charge after the results were announced, officially ended in March this year. Despite this, during the General Body Meeting held last year, a resolution was passed allowing the current office bearers to continue for another three years, citing the ongoing construction of the new association building. As a result, elections were postponed, raising questions among members. Member Nambirajan moves Madras High Court Opposing this resolution, Nadigar Sangam member Nambirajan filed a petition in the Madras High Court. As per Nakkheeran, in his plea, he claimed that the notice for the General Body Meeting did not mention any agenda regarding an extension of the current leadership's term. He further argued that citing building construction as a reason for the extension violates the association's own rules and the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. The petition demanded that the resolution be declared invalid, and requested the appointment of a retired judge to conduct fair elections. He also urged the court to restrain the present office bearers from taking any policy decisions until fresh elections are held. Court asks Nasser, Vishal , and Karthi to respond Hearing the case, the High Court directed President Nasser, General Secretary Vishal, and Treasurer Karthi to submit their responses by June 4 and adjourned the matter. Complying with this order, Vishal submitted a written response on behalf of the association. He stated that construction of the new Nadigar Sangam building had commenced at a cost of ₹25 crore and is now 60% complete. Vishal defends extension Vishal added that initiating election procedures at this stage could delay the ongoing construction. Hence, a resolution was passed in the General Body meeting to extend the current administration's term by three more years. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh passes away
Rajesh, who acted in over 150 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu spanning five decades of illustrious career, shot to fame for his role in 'Thaneer Thaneer' and 'Andha Ezhu Naatkal'. His performance created a deep impact on cinema goers. He had passed away at 8.15 am today and his funeral will take place after his daughter arrives from USA. He was an executive committee member of Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Film Artistes Association). Born on December 20, 1949 in Mannargudi to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar, Rajesh Williams initially worked as a teacher at a school in Purasawalkam and later at another school in Thiruvallikkeni in Chennai. He made a debut in 'Aval Oru Thodar Kathai' in 1974 and his first film as a hero was 'Kanni Paruvathile' in 1979. He had played unforgettable roles in 'Payanangal Mudivathillai', 'Sathya', 'Virumaandi' and 'Mahanadhi'. His last appearance on screen was in Vijay Sethupathi-Katrina Kaif starrer 'Merry Christmas'. Rajesh worked as a dubbing artist, and was also a writer and television serial actor.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Veteran actor Rajesh passes away at age of 75, Rajinikanth mourns death
Veteran filmstar and writer Rajesh, who scripted his success story as powerful character actor in numerous films, died due to age-related ailment here on Thursday, a source close to him said. He was 75. He complained of uneasiness and was rushed to a hospital here but was declared dead, the source said. Several film personalities including Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth condoled his death. The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocks me. It gives me immense pain. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, Rajini said in a post on the social media platform 'X'. Expressing deep shock over his sudden death, actress Radikaa Sarathkumar said Rajesh's is an unexpected demise. Shared so many movies together and had a deep respect to his wide knowledge of cinema and life, will be missed by family, friends and film fraternity. #RIP she said in a post on 'X'. Rajesh, who acted in over 150 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu spanning five decades of illustrious career, shot to fame for his role in 'Thaneer Thaneer' and 'Andha Ezhu Naatkal'. His performance created a deep impact on cinema goers. He had passed away at 8.15 am today and his funeral will take place after his daughter arrives from USA. He was an executive committee member of Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Film Artistes Association). Born on December 20, 1949 in Mannargudi to Williams Nattar and Lily Grace Mankondar, Rajesh Williams initially worked as a teacher at a school in Purasawalkam and later at another school in Thiruvallikkeni in Chennai. He made a debut in 'Aval Oru Thodar Kathai' in 1974 and his first film as a hero was 'Kanni Paruvathile' in 1979. He had played unforgettable roles in 'Payanangal Mudivathillai', 'Sathya', 'Virumaandi' and 'Mahanadhi'. His last appearance on screen was in Vijay Sethupathi-Katrina Kaif starrer 'Merry Christmas'. Rajesh worked as a dubbing artist, and was also a writer and television serial actor.
Economic Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Why Tamil actor Vishal did not marry for so long? The real reason is about a building, close to his heart
Tamil actor Vishal is set to marry actress Sai Dhanshika. This follows his vow to remain unmarried until the Nadigar Sangam building is complete. The building project faced delays but is now almost ready. Many stars like Vijay and Kamal Haasan donated for the building. Vishal and Dhanshika plan to marry on August 29. Vishal supports Dhanshika's acting career post-marriage. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads About Nadigar Sangam's new building Finally Vishal says Yes to marriage Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tamil actor Vishal's decision to remain unmarried for years wasn't about personal hesitation, nor was it due to lack of love—it was a vow he made tied to a building. As the General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association), Vishal had made a firm promise years ago that he would not marry until the new Nadigar Sangam building was completed. For him, this was not just a symbolic gesture—it was a commitment to his peers, to the association, and to a vision for the Tamil film industry's future. That vow is now fulfilled, and so, finally, is his Nadigar Sangam building project has been a significant undertaking in the Tamil film industry. Planned as a modern facility to serve artists, the building's foundation was laid in 2017 by two industry legends—Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Located in the heart of Chennai on Habibullah Road in T. Nagar, the facility was designed to be a multi-purpose space that could cater to various needs of the film fraternity. It includes a 1000-seater auditorium for award functions, an 800-seat marriage hall, and a smaller 300-seat mini hall. These facilities are much-needed additions, given the lack of dedicated spaces for large-scale industry events and artist the grand vision, the building faced repeated construction delays. However, it wasn't abandoned. Major stars like Vijay and Kamal Haasan each donated ₹1 crore from their personal funds to keep the dream alive. Actor Karthi was actively involved in overseeing the construction, and Vishal remained emotionally and personally invested in the project—so much so that he chose to pause his personal life until the building reached forward to 2025—Vishal finally announced his wedding to actress Sai Dhanshika, bringing an end to both the wait and speculation. The couple revealed their plans at the audio and trailer launch of Dhanshika's upcoming film Yogi Da. The announcement wasn't a surprise to those close to them; the two have known each other for 15 years, sharing a strong bond of friendship that recently turned into love. Dhanshika has long admired Vishal's unwavering support and integrity, especially during difficult times in her life. Their relationship quietly matured, grounded in trust and mutual the event, Vishal spoke warmly about the journey that led to their union. He acknowledged the vow he had made and his determination to see the Nadigar Sangam building through to completion before considering marriage. He even joked about keeping a chair at the construction site, refusing to leave until the job was done. His dedication to that promise spoke volumes not only about his character but also about his commitment to collective welfare over personal the building now almost ready and his vow fulfilled, Vishal is finally moving on to a new chapter—one that includes Dhanshika by his side. Their wedding is set for August 29. He described her as someone who truly understands him and shared his gratitude for having found love after such a long wait. Calling her his soulmate, he emphasized that their bond is strong and will only grow stronger with Vishal also made it clear that Dhanshika's career will not be put on hold post-marriage. He praised her talent and encouraged her to continue acting, underlining his progressive outlook and respect for her individuality. Their union, therefore, stands as both a personal milestone and a public message—about keeping promises, prioritizing responsibilities, and ultimately embracing love when the time is right.r."
