MAA Row: Srikanth Says 'Will Quit If Charges Are Proved'; Naresh Demands A Fact Finding Committee

A few months ago, the Movie Artists Association (MAA) banned actress Sri Reddy for stripping in public and talking about casting couch in Tollywood. This action received a lot of flak and MAA was ultimately forced to revoke her suspension. Now, the organisation is once again in the news for a shocking reason. As it so happens, actor Naresh has apparently accused the MAA President Shivaji and actor Srikanth of misusing the funds collected during the MAA shows in the US. And, needless to say, this has created a great deal of buzz in the industry.

During a press conference, Srikanth opened up about the allegations and offered to quit the organisation if anyone could prove that he was indeed involved in corrupt practices.

"50 Members of MAA attended US Event of Chiranjeevi garu. This is the biggest event ever conducted by the Association. We received the agreement amount from the US organizer and that's what matters the most. Whether if the Organizer earns profit or incurs loss, MAA will have nothing to do with it. When My Name appeared in media reports, I asked General Secretary Naresh to issue a clarification by attending the press meet but he didn't come. I won't visit MAA Office again and cancel my membership as well if anyone could prove there is a shortage of at least 5 paisa of the Agreement Amount. That's my open challenge! Are those who made allegations ready to make the same challenge," he added.

Interestingly, Naresh too held a PC and stated that he was in favour of constituting a Fact Finding Committee to look into the matter. He added that, barring Shivaji and his group, everyone else was in favour of setting up the said committee. Naresh also made it clear that he had already briefed Chiranjeevi about the controversy and was waiting for him to revert.

Based on these developments, it is quite clear that there is a rift in the MAA and all is not well. This is a developing situation and it'll be worth watching what happens next.