Ramcharan supports restrictions on non telugu actors by MAA

Ramcharan Tej has supported MAA(Movie Artists Association)’s plan to implement a rule that non telugu speaking artists number should be reduced in telugu movies and local talent should be promoted.

At the moment, nearly eight to 10 actors in the Telugu film industry are from Bollywood, Kollywood and Mollywood.

Actors from other industries are hogging the limelight and the actors’ guild intends to reverse the situation to safeguard the interests of thousands of artistes in Andhra Pradesh.

“We are going to hold talks with producers to hire more Telugu actors since our motto is to safeguard the interests of Telugu artistes,” says actor Sivakrishna, vice-president of the Movie Artistes’ Association (MAA).

“The bone of contention of 600-odd Telugu artistes is that dream merchants are violating the permissible limit of female leads, villains and other key characters and roping in other language actors for even cameo roles. In the process they are depriving hundreds of Telugu artistes,” rues O. Kalyan, ex-chief of the cine workers union.

Ramcharan adds, “I think this rule should have come a long time ago. This will go a long way in promoting and encouraging local talent. As an actor it’s my duty to see this is followed henceforth,” .

But, B-town star Sonu Sood who is also making waves in Tollywood, argues, “It’s an unfair ruling since many actors from the South are working in Bollywood and vice versa. Talent and popularity of a particular actor should be the criteria that counts,” he reasons.

However, Tamil reigning star Karthi, who is making his T-town debut says, “I don’t know much about the ruling but I would abide by any regulation imposed by Tollywood.”

Ace filmmaker Suresh Babu and chief of Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce, whose son RaNa is making inroads in Bollywood, says, “It’s not easy to implement such stipulations. In fact, tinsel world is shrinking and talented actors are showcasing their skills in different languages. Apart from the suitability for the role, sometimes his talent and popularity could add value to a project. Having said that, I agree local talent should be encouraged too.”