Sarath Kumar new president of South Indian artistes' body

Chennai, July 30 (IANS) Former DMK MP and actor Sarath Kumar was Sunday elected as the president of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association, replacing Vijayakanth, who was heading the body since 2000.

Elections to the association are held once in three years.

With two-third of its members said to be in the AIADMK camp and supporters of former chief minister J. Jayalalitha - who comes from the film fraternity, Kumar's election to the body was expected.

Kumar resigned from the Rajya Sabha in April to join the AIADMK.

Popular stars, including Vijayakanth, Vikram, Nepolean, Radharavi, Srikanth, Revathy, Parthiban and AIADMK legislator and actor S.V. Shekher, were among those who cast their votes.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Vijayakanth said: "I am against mixing politics with films. People should stand united irrespective of the party they belong to and fight for the welfare of the industry."

He expressed his confidence in Kumar, who said, "Our attempt will be to ensure democratic functioning of the association".