Apology averts Tamil film industry stir

Chennai, Aug 29 (IANS) The South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), which had threatened to go on strike over a director's derogatory comment on actresses, withdrew its call in Tamil Nadu Monday following his apology.

The strike call was made Saturday in the wake of producer-director-cinematographer Thankar Bachan's comments at the audio release function for his film "Chidambarathil Oru Appusamy".

The filmmaker had narrated derogatory anecdotes about an actress after she allegedly snubbed him. He also reportedly claimed that actresses were "easily buyable".

The strike was called off after a public apology from Bachan, who has made films like "Azhagi" and "Thendra'.

On Sunday, SIAA president Vijaykanth and secretary Sarath Kumar said Bachan had earlier made derogatory remarks against association members.

"This has seriously hurt the sentiments of artistes, especially the women," he said.

Condemning Bachan's remarks, the Film Employees' Federation of South India (FEFSI) asked its members not to dub Bachan's film.

At a hastily called press conference Sunday night, Bachan said he regretted his comments as he did not want the whole industry to suffer for what he had said.

"I am ready to abide by the union decisions and take any penalty imposed," Bachan added.