Normally we are used to clapping and cheering to many politically directed dialogues in Superstar movies, like the ‘Naan CM illa, PM’ line in Sivaji. But, what Ajith delivered that day, had even the Superstar standing and applauding. The man who had given us a thousand punch lines in his career was literally on his feet after one from Ajith. Such was the impact of what Ajith said during the function to felicitate the CM that the entire media seemed to contract the whole mega event into the few lines delivered by him. What makes it even more special and gutsy is that it was said in front of an audience that comprised of no one less than the CM himself.

Now, what did he say? Well, everyone would have heard or read about it. But, let’s get a brief recap of what was said. To put it in one line, Ajith said that actors should be allowed to live their life the way they want to. We have been witness to many events in the recent past where the entire film fraternity has been summoned for a common cause, mostly political. Some of them have been to felicitate and praise (sometimes even flatter to no end) the political powerhouses of the state (whoever happens to be in power), and others have been to express solidarity towards a burning social issue.

While there is nothing wrong with such public exhibition of appreciation or anger, the thing that irks and (what irked Ajith) is the fact that actors are not allowed to decide whether to be a part of such vents. There have been many news stories over the past couple of years where leading stars have been issued show cause notices for not attending events of such a nature. It is difficult to disagree with Ajith here. It should be a person’s prerogative to decide whether or not to attend a public event or be part of a protest. Refusal or reluctance to participate should not be seen as heresy or treason. It is the same for every individual and holds good for actors too, no matter how big stars they might be.

When Ajith said that actors were being arm twisted to take part in such events it must have struck a chord in many people which was evident in the way Superstar stood up to applaud. Rajini himself has been part of many such events over the years and has been graceful and appreciative throughout. But, this public display of support to Ajith’s point of view makes us wonder whether he has been a silent sufferer all these years. One wonders whether everything that we have heard down the years are statements made under duress.

Actors aren’t politicians by profession. And so, they do not know how to exactly place their words (unless written by a script writer) without bruising a few feelings. Almost every function where film personalities, especially actors, have tried to make strong comments on sociopolitical issues has left us with some kind of unsavory off the cuff remark which snowballed into a huge issue. The kick that Rajni intended to deliver to Karnataka for the Hogenakkal issue is a classic example. A more recent example is Jayaram’s (again off the cuff) remark on Tamil women which landed him in deep trouble. The reactions to this statement, again led by film personalities, took on an even uglier proportion; that of violence. Both Rajni and Jayaram were literally forced into apologizing and eating their words and these are not the only cases. The fact is that all actors are not qualified to make comments on issues of genuine social relevance and they are best left to mouthing dialogues already written down. But, as Ajith said, they are at many times forced into speaking (read: landing themselves into trouble).

A final point. We have at many times complained about the tendency of politics being seen as a natural follow up to cinema, especially with the number of film personalities walking into politics. But one cannot blame them. Think of it this way. An actor is happy doing films, but he is forced to be part of all kinds of functions with political overtones. It is pretty natural that over a period of time he/she starts feeling that politics is an easy game, why not try my hand at it? What Ajith has said makes us think about whether it is actors who are forcing themselves on politics or is politics forcing itself upon actors? Either case is not healthy for the democracy. Two entities as different as politics and cinema should function independently. Of course, there are reasons and times when everyone must come together, but let it be by choice, not force. Thanks to Ajith for bringing this up. Someone really needed to talk about this. Let’s hope that the cat has been belled.

(By Sudhakar, with inputs from Arun.)

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