While Nasser’s Pandavar Ani has filed its nominations for the Nadigar Sangam elections that will be held on June 23 in Chennai, the opposing team will be headed by actor-director-producer K Bhagyaraj. Nadigar Sangam or South India Artistes Association is a union for film, television, and stage actors in Tamil Nadu.
In a press meet that was held on Sunday, Bhagyaraj announced the name of his group, 'Swami Sankardas Ani'. Also present during the press meet were Ishari K Ganesh, Prasanth, Bigg Boss fame Gayathri and Aarthi, actor Sangeetha and actor Udhaya.
The nominations of the Pandavar Ani lead by Nasser was made public earlier.
Nasser would be contesting once again for the post of President in this elections along with his same team members Karthi and Vishal for Treasurer and Secretary respectively. For the post of Vice President, actor Ponvannan who is the current office bearer would not be contesting and he would be replaced by S Murugan aka Poochi Murugan. Actor Karunas who at present is the other Vice President would be contesting once again for the same post.
A total of 19 members have filed their nominations for executive committee members from Pandavar Ani including Khushbu, Kovai Sarala and Manobala. Writer Kutty Padmini, Sangeetha, and Nithin Sathya who were previously with Pandavar Ani have now sided with Bhagyaraj’s team this time. Disappointment over the functioning of the present team and noncompletion of the ambitious and long-delayed Nadigar Sangam building are being cited as the main reasons for the formation of the new team.
It is also interesting to note that Bhagyaraj had supported Pandavar Ani during 2015 elections. This time, during the press meet on Sunday he remarked, “I want to make sure the sangam does not split any further. Just like how Modi said that he is working for the country as chowkidar, we too will be doing the same here.”
On the team’s name Ishari Ganesh said, “Swami Sankardas was the one who formed this Ani. That’s why we’ve give our team his name. We will surely win.” Swami Sankardas is a Tamil writer, actor, playwright, songwriter and drama producer who is well known and highly regarded for launching the acting careers of many formidable names from the past including SG Kittappa, KB Sundarambal, MR Radha, SV Venkataraman and K Sarangapani.