BOTH THE STATES AND THE CENTRE SHOULD SOLVE THE HOGENAKKAL PROJECT- RAJINI

Superstar Rajnikant, Kamal Hassan, Suriya, Dhanush, Murali, Arjun and many Kollywood film stars went on an eight-hour fast here on Friday to expressed their solidarity and support to the Tamil Nadu Government for its Hogenakkal water project and denounced the attacks on cinema theaters screening Tamil movies in Bangalore and other parts of the Karnataka State.

The presence of Rajnikant, a native of Karnataka who attained stardom in Tamil film industry, added fizz to the strong response from the film fraternity, which transcended linguistic differences and joined hands to condemn the attacks on cinemas, buses and Tamil newspapers published from Bangalore.

Following the Super Star foot steps, many of his fans in the Salem district observed fast in front of the Collectorate. The fans of the Super Star outnumbered the total strength of the film industry that observed fast in Chennai, today, said a person who just arrived at the venue from Salem.

Besides Rajnikant other popular actors like Murali and Arjun, also natives of the Karnataka state, joined the fast, on the specially erected stage in Chepauk here where thousands of fans converged to have a glimpse of their stars and to hear their speeches denouncing the attacks. It is to be remembered it was at the same time many cricket fans watched the 20-20 Cricket Test Match was played between India and South Africa.

Rajnikant, in his brief comments to the media, said politicians should resolve the differences and find a solution to the water project.

"This is a sensitive national issue and concerns the sovereignty and integrity of the nation," he said.

Several actors from Tamil film industry, including top Malayalam stars like Jayaram, addressed the gathering calling for restraint and understanding.

The star-studded fast, organised by South Indian Artistes' Association, the Film chamber and the producers council, saw actors-turned-politicians Sarathkumar and Vijayakant, sharing the dais with Rajnikant and actress Shreya.

Vijayakant, without naming any party in Karnataka, said it was the elections which made these parties rake up the issue for political mileage.

"Why is this unnecessary fight over drinking water, which has even led to buses being damaged," he said in an apparent reference to the violence in the two states.

Most of the speakers expressed fears that the opposition to the project could harm India's sovereignty and integrity, echoing Chief Minister and DMK Karunanidhi comments at a function here on March 30.

Some speakers also called for immediate intervention of the Centre, with a view to maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

The fast figured prominently in the state assembly which extended its greetings and goodwill. Leader of the House and Finance Minister, K Anbazhagan, while responding to a request by Vijayakant, said the film industry was sending across a message to Karnataka by staging the peaceful protest.

The presence of starlets such as Trisha and Nayantara, two of the top heroines of Tamil cinema, added to the glamour quotient to the fast.