Composer Ilaiyaraaja has issued a statement asking politicians to not associate his name with any political party or use his photographs for seeking votes.
A statement issued on the composer’s behalf said: “Some political parties have used Ilaiyaraaja’s photographs as a part of their campaigns. No party is allowed to use his name or photograph to promote themselves and seek votes,” said Maalaimalar. The report also states that photographs of some actors from the industry were used too, and they would be issuing a statement too.
E Pradeep Kumar, a copyright advisor who works with Ilaiyaraaja, told Silverscreen that Ilaiyaraaja was someone who never publicly associated himself with any politician. He didn’t reveal which party had used the composer’s photograph, but said, “We came to understand that a political party was utilising his name, so the step was taken.”
He further said, “Ilaiyaraaja has one of the biggest fan bases, and when he has not shown support for any politicial party, no one is allowed to use his photograph for promotional purposes.”
Days before the Lok Sabha elections, other stars from the industry too denied speculation about their support for any party or their entry into politics. Actor Karthi, whose father actor Sivakumar has been campaigning for the AIADMK, had earlier cleared air around some rumours.
He tweeted, “There are queries about me campaigning. Absolutely not. I will participate as a voter alone. Thanks.”
There are queries about me campaigning in this election. Absolutely not. I will participate as a voter alone. Thanks.
— Actor Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) March 25, 2019
After the release of Viswasam in January this year, actor Ajith issued a statement clarifying that he had no political aspirations, and told his fans that he had not associated himself with any politician or party. The press release was in response to BJP State President Tamilisai Soundararajan’s statement saying, “Ajith’s fans should take the schemes of Modi to the people”
ajith
Meanwhile, celebrities who have been campaigning for parties include filmmaker Karu Pazhaniappan, who is supporting DMK MP Kanimozhi, and Rajinikanth who has welcomed the BJP manifesto. In Karnataka, actors Yash and Darshan have been supporting Sumalatha Ambareesh. Allu Arjun has shown support to actor-politican Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party.
