The foundation stone for the new building of the South Indian Artistes' Association was laid at the Nadigar Sangam grounds on Friday. The ceremony was organised by Nadigar Sangam President Nasser and General secretary Vishal.
This event is preceded by multiple instance of in-fighting and skirmishes within the Nadigar Sangam. In 2015, Vishal and team locked horns with the then Nadigar Sangam President Sarath Kumar who had signed a deal with Sathyam cinema. A multiplex was to be built at Habibullah road in T Nagar, where the Nadigar Sangam building stood. Sarath Kumar had leased out the land to the company for 30 years and it was reportedly decided that they will build a seven-storey multiplex allotting one floor for the Nadigar Sangam's use.
However, several actors led by Vishal questioned the move and demanded that a building be constructed solely for the actors' association instead. This led to a rift creating two factions during the polls. Eventually, Vishal’s team ousted Sarath and won the elections hands down in 2015.
This ceremony, now a reminder of their victory against the former top brass of the association, saw the support of many stars. Actor Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan laid the foundation stone at the event. While the superstar termed the ceremony successful, actor Kamal Haasan said, "I am happy about the unity that is being showcased. I will be part of the cement that holds this building together. This will become a fortress for all actors."
Vishal, meanwhile, declared that the construction work will be completed in September 2018. "We are expecting an income of Rs 50 lakh per month and this will be used to help drama artistes and senior actors," the actor said.
