Sarath quits politics for films

Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Sarath Kumar categorically announced as of now he would neither join in any party nor start a new party. He met the press yesterday for the first time after his expulsion from AIADMK and announced this amidst speculations that he would be starting a new party in April. ''Hereafter there is no point in joining with any political parties. I have been associated with the DMK for more than 10 years and served it to the best of my abilities I was in AIADMK also for a short while. Now I have no more an intrest in politics. I have been asked that question frequently. Should I start a new party? Is there any necessity to float a new political party in the present situation? I don't think so. Let me enjoy some peace and have a pleasant time in the colorful reel world. Don't assume that I am afraid of launching a new party. For me, this is not the right time to do that. I have decided to concentrate on my film career but I'll continue to pursue helping the poor with the same commitment with which I have been doing it so far. I plan to unveil a bronze statue and memorial for the Great Leader K. Kamaraj at his birthplace, Virudhu Nagar. I purchased 22 acres land near the town. There are political intention which have driven me to do this. The entire cost has been borne by me. It is a duty of every Tamilian to honour the great mass leader'', Sarath told.

WhenI asked him about his film career, he said ''As an actor, I faced lots of ups and downs...Yes, initially I experienced only with failure and through out my career, any of my films have not affected the producer financially. I challenged myself to see to it that that no producer would complain about my film's collections...'' he said confidently.

What about his next projects?
"I have plans to direct a film about the life of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose. If a suitable producer may not be available, I will produce the film on my own. I have committed my time to 7 films which are yet to to be shot. My next film is Pachaikili Muthucharam. The film has directed by Gautham Menan. It will be released on Feb. 16 worldwide. I enjoyed the film and hope the fans feel the same about it. From the first scene to the climax, you will see no make-up on me. The cameraman Arvindh Krishna has shot most of my scenes close-up. The style in which the film is made is really outstanding.

He continued, Vaitheeswaran will be released in next month. The film 1977, directed by Dinesh, also may be released in 2007. Apart from these films, I have signed to act in more than 5 films. Kanakarathna Movies, R.B.Chowdry, Goutham Menon, Raadan Media works and Lakshmi Movie Makers are the producers of the filmd respectively. Me, K.S. Ravikumar and R.B.Chowdry, known as the trio of success, seen in one film all together once again. As per the story, I may play dual role again in this film. One among the role is negatie character. But in real life, I'm always a positive person. I signed up to act in a Malayalam film to be made by veteran film maker M.T.Vasudevan Nair...'' Sarath said with excitement.

He said that there is a plan to lay foundation stone in the month of May for a new building at the premises of South Indian Film Artists Association. While asking about the proposed cut in artist payment, he made known his strong objections over the issue. According to him, ' No producer has pay heavy salary to a non- commercial artist. An artists salary is completely depends on his market value only.'