Stars have to face action: Talasani
Cinematography minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Wednesday said that those involved in drugs from the Telugu film industry have to face stern action. Mr Yadav said that the state government will initiate action against them based on the outcome of SIT investigation. He rubbished reports that the Telugu film industry is upset with the state government for harassing film personalities on the pretext of drug hauls.
The minister also denied rumours that the industry might shift its base from Hyderabad to AP on account of the ongoing drug investigation. He said that the drug usage, drug peddling issues were confined to only a handful of film personalities and not the entire industry. He stated that the Tollywood is happy at the proactive measures being taken by the TS government for the development of the film industry in Telangana.
“Some people with vested interests are trying to project the ongoing drug investigation case as an attempt by Telangana government to target the Telugu film industry. This is absurd and baseless. Tollywood is not about just 10 to 12 film personalities who are facing inquiry on drugs. Tollywood is about thousands of film artists, technicians and workers. One should realise this before making such baseless allegations against TRS government”, Mr Yadav remarked, breaking his silence on the issue that has been rocking Tollywood for the past few days.
Mr Yadav said Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is keen on taking the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad to the next level in the entertainment business by offering various sops and incentives.
“The CM himself met prominent film personalities several times to discuss various measures to be taken for the development of the film industry for the past three years. He has also set up a Cabinet subcommittee for the film industry, which has been holding regular meetings with film industry representatives to resolve long pending issues. Why would the CM take all these initiatives if the state government intended to target the film industry?” Mr Yadav questioned.