In the social media era, where celebrities and politicians are engaging with their fans and the public over a range of issues, Tamil actor and Nadigar Sangam Secretary Vishal told TNM that the film actor’s body is going to request stars to refrain from using social media.
Vishal said, “We have decided, we are going to request all actors, if willing, to step out of social media and go back to the old ways of journalism.” His statement comes in the backdrop of several actors including Vishal and Trisha getting off social media after being abused on Twitter and Facebook over the jallikattu issue.
Vishal explained that his statement on jallikattu was falsely reported causing a furore among fans and the public. “There are so many so called journalists, they put up posts, it’s easy- put up an actor’s photo and a quote saying Vishal said something and release it. It goes to everyone and they think it’s true. There is no authenticity to it.”
Calling it a major hindrance, the actor said he would rather speak through his personal PR assistant, through his official handle or in front of a mic. “I’d rather go back to the old ways of journalism rather than this fake journalism,” he added.
Following the furore over Trisha’s association with animal welfare group PETA, Vishal said, “Trisha had made it clear that she is no longer a member of PETA. I don’t know any other actor who has endorsed PETA.” He also noted that the Nadigar Sangam has requested all members “to bail out of PETA keeping the interest and sentiments of the people.”
Inspired by the massive demonstration at the Marina beach and other parts of Tamil Nadu, Nadigar Sangam held a silent protest on Friday with several stars including Rajinikanth, Ajith, Suriya, Kamal Haasan among others participating. However, prior to the protest, Nadigar Sangam had requested the media to not cover their protest and to focus their energy on the movement at Marina Beach instead.
“We didn’t want the press to do a live telecast when the main protest was happening at Marina and we requested press to cover it as much as possible so the central government can hear every voice out there. We taking center stage and getting press to do a live will take away the focus. We just wanted to lend support,” the Nadigar Sangam Secretary.
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