Balakrishna’s remarks in Assembly prompt Chiranjeevi’s clarification

HYDERABAD:  Actor and former Union minister Chiranjeevi issued a clarification after his name was mentioned during Andhra Pradesh Assembly proceedings.

During the session, MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna responded to a comment by MLA Kamineni Srinivas and referred to Chiranjeevi. He remarked on the Assembly floor: “What Kamineni Srinivas said about Chiranjeevi forcing someone to come is false. No one asked so strongly. They say he shouted loudly, so the person came down. Otherwise, he would have met the cinematography minister.”

Chiranjeevi said he watched the comments live on a television channel and felt the need to explain.

Film industry leaders approached Chiranjeevi

Chiranjeevi said that during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government’s tenure, several producers, directors and representatives of the Telugu film chamber met him and sought his intervention on rising film production costs and cinema ticket prices.

“They requested me to take the matter to the government. Among those who met me were S S Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram Srinivas, Mahesh Babu, N T Rama Rao Jr, D V V Danayya, the team of Mythri Movie Makers and a few others,” he said.

Meeting with Jagan Mohan Reddy

Chiranjeevi said he called then cinematography minister Perni Nani, who later informed him that the chief minister wanted to meet him over lunch.

“At the chief minister’s residence, I explained the industry’s difficulties. I also suggested that if time was given, representatives would meet him together. Later, the minister told me that due to the second wave of Covid-19, only five people should come. I said 10 could attend and he agreed,” Chiranjeevi added.

Chiranjeevi said he tried to contact Balakrishna by phone but could not reach him. He then requested Gemini Kiran to convey the message, but despite three attempts, Balakrishna could not be met. “I then arranged a flight and, along with R Narayana Murthy and others, met the chief minister and detailed the industry’s concerns,” he said.

Ticket prices were raised

Chiranjeevi said that his initiative led to the government agreeing to increase cinema ticket prices, which benefited producers, distributors and exhibitors.

“That decision helped both Balakrishna’s film Veera Simha Reddy and my film Waltair Veerayya. I always maintain respect in my interactions, whether with the chief minister or with any common man. As I am currently outside India, I am sharing the facts through this press release,” Chiranjeevi said.