Inspired by the youth driven protests in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, the Nadigar Sangam is conducting a silent protest in solidarity with the ongoing jallikattu issue.
The protest which began at 8 am in T Nagar at the Nadigar Sangam grounds in Chennai has seen a steady stream of stars pouring in. So far, Nadigar Sangam President Nasser, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sivakumar, Suriya, Ajit along with wife Shalini, Prasanna, Kovai Sarala, Arun Vijay and Trisha among others have been spotted.
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Cinematographers Rajiv Menon, PC Sreeram and Ekambaram also joined the silent protest.
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Ahead of the protest, Nasser had uploaded a video appeal urging the media to not cover the film fraternity’s protest and to focus on the movement started by students, youth, and ordinary people from across society.
Nasser requests media to NOT COVER tomo's 'silent' protest of #NadigarSangam. "Focus only on the youngsters on ground" #JusticeforJallikattu pic.twitter.com/9Suqbrr9mK
— Surendhar MK (@SurendharMK) January 19, 2017
Though the media has not been allowed inside, several news channels have stationed their reporters on the road outside the venue.
Nasser’s appeal comes after #SayNoToNadigarSangam was trending on Twitter on Thursday. The popular sentiment appears to be that celebrities should not hijack the movement and take away its focus.
He said, "This is a silent protest and we will not be sharing any views or advice about the issue. I request TV and online media not to give us video coverage. Instead, I request them to ask the views of the youth, students and others who've been protesting under difficult circumstances and give it wider reach."
Vishal, the Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam, had clarified his stance on jallikattu after there was an outpouring of social media anger against him for his association with PETA, one of the animal rights organisations behind the ban. Vishal had also written a letter to the PM, asking for an emergency ordinance.
Meanwhile, TN Film Drivers and Workers Union also joined the stars’ protest, chanting slogans and carrying huge placards in support of the bull-taming sport.