Chennai: Putting to rest all the speculation about his foray into Tamil Nadu politics, actor Vishal ruled himself out for now but left enough hints that it could be possible in the years to come.
Known for his action roles, the Tamil actor born to a Telugu family also spoke about his plans to set up a welfare movement and work district-wise, constituency-wise and branch-wise in his home state.
“I never sought political gains…If nature decides another way in future, I will not hesitate to voice for the people as one among them,” Vishal said in a statement tweeted Wednesday in which he quoted from Thiruvalluvar’s masterpiece ‘Thirukkural’.
Currently, Vishal is shooting for his upcoming film, ‘Rathnam’.
His message came in the backdrop of growing rumours about his plunge in politics like fellow actor Vijay after the latter announced the formal launch of his new political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (Tamil Nadu Victory Party), on 2 February.
After beginning his celluloid career with Tamil film ‘Chellamae’ (2004), the actor over the years has been known for his action films on screen. Off screen, he has been vocal about corruption in the film industry and is also against politicians in the state.
Stating that he is forever indebted to the people of Tamil Nadu who recognised him as an actor and social worker in the society, Vishal said in his message: “With the aim of helping people as much as I can, from the beginning, I thought that my fan club should not be treated as an average club, but it should be run to benefit people. We have been running the fan club with the aim of doing our best for those who are in need.”
“Through the ‘Devi Foundation’ run in the name of my mother, we help many poor and needy students every year. We are also helping affected farmers.”
Also Read: ‘Politics not a hobby for me’ — what ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s political foray could mean for TN politics
Vishal & his political inclination
The actor’s attempt for a political entry did not take off in 2017 when he tried to contest the RK Nagar bypolls, a seat left vacant following the death of AIADMK supremo and former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. His nomination was rejected by the presiding officer after his nomination had only eight valid proposers, two less than the number he needed.
The actor is not new to challenging the existing system and contesting elections. In 2015, he had raised allegations against the then South Indian Artistes Association, popularly known as the Nadigar Sangam, of misconduct. The same year, he was elected as general secretary of the association.
Vishal’s accusation of incompetence against the former members of Tamil Film Producers’ Council (TFPC) got him expelled from the Council in 2016. Vishal, the son of film producer G.K. Reddy, was reinstated only after he tendered an apology. He went on to become the TFPC president.
Similarly, in 2019, the Nadigar Sangam had witnessed an action packed election. Vishal had approached the Madras High Court when certain members cried foul play in the election. The election was upheld by the high court in 2022, and Vishal and fellow actor Nasser led Pandavar Ani team emerged victorious.
In 2017, Vishal had taken on BJP national secretary H. Raja during the release of the film ‘Mersal’ after his remark that he had seen some scenes of the movie online. Vishal had criticised Raja for watching the film illegally and sought apology for watching a pirated version of the movie.
(Edited by Tony Rai)