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Artist Deepa Baskar Alleges That She Was Not Paid For Performing At “Kalaignar 100” Event

The Commune

In a startling revelation made by supporting artist and actress Deepa Baskar in an interview with a YouTube channel, she disclosed that she has not received payment from the administration of Kalaignar TV for her performance at the recent “Kalaignar 100” event held in Chennai. Despite two months having elapsed since the event, she has yet to receive any compensation. What’s even more surprising is that the artists were not provided with basic amenities such as dressing rooms, adding to the grievance, according to the interview.

The Tamil Film Producers Association convened an event titled “Kalaignar 100” on 6 January, 2024, at Chepauk, Chennai, dedicated to commemorating the accomplishments of the late M Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This event was aimed to honor Karunanidhi’s contributions to both the film industry and politics. Actors and actresses were in attendance at the event, where artists were invited to showcase their talents through various performances such as drama and dance.

One among the many was actress was Deepa Baskar she had previously worked as suporting artist in TV serials and acted in the movie Karnan has went to particiate in the event. when the anchor of the show question Deepa about the participation in the event, she mentioned she had the anticipation that even on normal show they will treat artists good, and event like Kalaignar 100 she had more expectation but that was contrary, she said ”

Among the performers was actress Deepa Baskar, who had prior experience as a supporting artist in TV serials and had appeared in the movie “Karnan.” When ‘Wow Tamizha’ show’s host asked about her participation in the event in the Kalaignar 100 , Deepa expressed her disappointment. She had anticipated being treated well, as she believed artists are usually respected even in regular shows. However, her expectations for the Kalaignar 100 event were higher, yet she found the reality to be contrary to her hopes. Deepa replied, “Food was not good, and nothing was good, As they called as we went there and performed”

Later, the anchor inquired of Deepa whether the reports regarding technicians and artists not receiving their salaries were accurate. She replied, “We do everything expecting the salary, Even if I call now, they never picks up the phone. I got bored after asking repeatedly. I used to ask about the money appeared in many films and they say now and then, now it has become usual in the media that not giving the payment. That too in Kalaignar centenary event we went in high expectations. They said that the rules are during the three days of shooting, no other shooting should take place, the artistes should do two days of rehearsal and one day of performance on stage. If they have said we will not give (Payment) I’d have gone to act there. At least i’d have received a pay”

She elaborated that besides herself, many others such as drivers, makeup assistants, and hairdressers were not compensated for their services at the event. She emphasized that no one has received payment yet, and there is still an expectation that they will eventually be compensated.

When the anchor inquired whether Deepa believed that the administration (under Stalin/Udhayanidhi) was unaware of the issue of non-payment to artists, she responded by pointing out that numerous voices in the media have raised this concern. She questioned whether it was plausible that (Stalin) himself remained unaware, especially considering that many artists come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rely on their wages. Deepa suggested that while it seemed likely that he (Stalin) was aware, the reasons for the lack of action on the matter remained unclear.

Subsequently, she revealed that upon raising the matter on Facebook, she discovered that drivers and advertising agencies not been paid, but also others were affected by the non-payment issue.

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