The Tamil Film Producers Council has decided to celebrate the birth centenary of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi on 24 December 2023.
Murali Ramasamy, President of the Producers Council, had said earlier that the ceremony will be held under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, with top stars and technicians in attendance. They’ve already invited ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth, actor and Bigg Boss host Kamal Haasan.
The event is said to be held on a grand scale with festival like celebrations.
Incidentally, this day is also the death anniversary of former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran. MGR was also one of the important people instrumental in the formation of the Nadigar Sangam in the state.
To this day, followers of MGR mourn his death every year on this day by placing his photo on their doorsteps and at street corners and offering their respects. They also garland his statues and play his film songs the entire day.
Fans and supporters of MGR find it very intriguing that of all days, the film fraternity chose this particular day to conduct the celebrations.
Several fans and members of the ADMK expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision.
AIADMK functionar Gowri Sankar D wrote “The Tamil film industry has proved that they are an ungrateful bunch by holding a ceremony for ‘theeysakthi’ (evil force) Karunanidhi on the anniversary of the death of our revolutionary leader (MGR), who owns the pinnacle that no one can touch in the film industry, whose hands have turned red by helping the poor!”
திரையுலகின் எவராலும் தொடமுடியாத உச்சத்துக்கு சொந்தக்காரரும், திரைத்துறையினருக்கு வாரி வாரி வழங்கி கரங்கள் சிவந்தவருமான எங்கள் புரட்சித்தலைவரின் நினைவு நாளில் தீயசக்தி கருணாநிதிக்கு விழா எடுத்து தாங்கள் நன்றிகெட்ட கூட்டம் என்பதை தமிழ் திரையுலகம் நிரூபித்துள்ளது! https://t.co/z3OUdBMKMH
— Gowri Sankar D – Say Yes to Women Safety&AIADMK (@GowriSankarD_) November 21, 2023
மக்களுக்கும் தலைவருக்குமான உறவை எவனும் அசைக்கமுடியாது!
Film commentator and YouTuber ‘Blue Sattai’ Maran questioned the intention of the event to be held on the death anniversary of MGR saying “When there are so many days, why choose this day to hold the show?”
கலைஞர் நூற்றாண்டு விழா நிகழ்ச்சி.. தமிழ் திரையுலகம் சார்பாக டிசம்பர் 24 அன்று நடைபெறுகிறது.
டிசம்பர் 24..முன்னாள் முதல்வரும், நடிகர் சங்கம் உருவாக முக்கியமானவர்களில் ஒருவராகவும் இருந்த எம்.ஜி.ஆரின் நினைவு நாள்.
Film director RK Selvamani stated that these centenary celebrations will focus on Karunanidhi’s creations – films, poems, songs, etc. He also said that the entire Tamil film fraternity had to participate in the event and no shooting (even outdoor Tamil film shoot) could be conducted on that day. He also added that they had invited top stars like Kamal, Rajini, Ajith, and Vijay and they would attend the event. Selvamani added that the artists were doing this voluntarily and did not take any fee for the programme.
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Aavin has been in the news for the past few days especially after the Green Magic variant was announced to be discontinued citing “cost cutting”. What is the real reason for this? In a video interview with News18, the head of TN Milk Dealers Association Ponnusamy has come out with some details.
Answering a question on the urgent need to stop the Green packet, Ponnusamy said, “There has been a drastic reduction in milk procurement in Aavin. After the DMK came to power, it has reduced much more than in the ADMK regime by more than 10 lakh litres. They have sold all the available milk powders and butter to private businesses. Now they are procuring milk powder and butter from north Indian states and mixing it to make high-fat and low-fat milk. For example, we can take this green packet. This green packet contains 4.5% fat. When you consider 4.5% fat, cow milk contains only 3-4% fat and a maximum of 4.3% to 4.5%. So for this 4.5% fat and this 6% orange coloured packet, this is 6% fat. So for this 6% fat, we must have butter in reserve. Since there is no butter in our reserves, they are buying from north Indian states.”
He added, “When they procure milk from the dairy owners, they buy it at a price of ₹35 per litre. But since they are procuring milk powder and butter, the cost of one litre is more than ₹60. This is how much it takes to make Green Magic milk. If it is the premium orange-coloured milk packet, it will cost more than that. So to reduce these expenses, last February in Coimbatore, they introduced a new product called Aavin Delite which they labelled as Cow Milk. Both variants are priced at ₹22 per half litre. So in February, in Coimbatore, what they did was, in the green-coloured packet, they added the text “cow milk” on the side for the same price of ₹22 and mentioned it as 3.5% fat. Green packets must contain 4.5% fat. The purple colour packet, Aavin Delite has 3.5% fat and labelled as cow milk.
Both are priced at the same rate. So when 1% fat is reduced, the profit for Aavin is ₹8 per litre. So for the common people, the hike in the cost of milk is ₹8. They have unprecedentedly increased the prices of ghee and butter after the DMK came to power. For a litre of ghee, they have increased the price by ₹225 in 18 months. They have increased the price of butter by ₹200 per kilo. This never happened in any regime.”
When the journalist said that Aavin claimed that the Green packets were not completely stopped from circulation, the numbers were brought down. Ponnusamy said, “As mentioned before, in Coimbatore, in February, they sold the packets with the label cow milk and entirely stopped the supply of Green packets. When we protested the move, the officials then told us that the Green packets were not stopped completely, it has just been reduced they said. What started in Coimbatore and Tirupur followed suit everywhere else in the state. On this day, no districts have green packet milk available. Only the Aavin Delite which has 3.5% fat is being produced. In Chennai alone, only 50% of the milk is green packets. They have cut down on the Green packets already. They are making us sell this variant forcibly to our consumers. They claim that people are buying it because they like it. The minister claims that the Delite variant is fast-selling today. How is this possible?
For example, if a consumer buys 500 litres of milk, if you force him to buy 250 litres of Aavin Delite compulsorily and say that if he fails to do so, he won’t get any milk. This is the situation that Aavin is forcing everyone to be in. When you force something like this, how can I sell the milk to the people who need it? We are forced to submit to Aavin’s compulsion.”
Millions of children and elderly individuals depend on Aavin milk, and it is now a big question if they will receive it with the same fat content.
Ponnusamy adds, “They will have to go to a private dairy brand only. The FSSAI has advised us to produce 4 types of milk. In Chapters 2, 2.1, and 2.2, they have clearly specified 4 types of milk – 1.5% double-toned milk, 3% toned milk, 4.5% standardised milk, and 6% full cream milk. Now what they are doing is, on the cover of this Aavin Delite milk which claims to have 3.5% fat, they have mentioned Toned Milk at the back side of the packet, where no one can find it easily. Toned milk refers to milk with 3% fat, Aavin Nice has 3% fat and is the toned milk variant. But in Aavin Delite, you are calling it Toned milk after claiming 3.5% fat content. Won’t the children suffer from nutritional deficiency?”
Ponnusamy continues, “According to the Indian Diary Association and the World Health Organization, 4.5% fat content in milk that is found in green packets is necessary for healthy growth. As far as cow’s milk is concerned, it can contain up to 4.5% fat. When you reduce the fat content to 3%, you are already reducing the fat content of cow’s milk. If you reduce it by 1.5%, you are reducing the fat content. Won’t there be nutritional deficiencies or not? Pregnant women, children, elderly can consume the 4.5% standardised milk as it meets their nutritional requirements. This milk variant has been available in Aavin for more than 50 years. It has been available in packet form for 40 years now. If you stop a product that has been available for more than 40 years, you must have released a GO. When they came to power, they reduced the price by 3 rupees, they released a GO. If you reduce or increase the selling price, a GO must be passed and only then a press release is done. But now, without any government order, the government has announced this.”
Aavin was advertised as the closest to mother’s milk but now the Tamil Nadu government led by the DMK is hell-bent on wrecking the organisation that will affect the entire population in the state.
Must watch video. The wrecking of #Aavin . The gent says present milk procurement by #Aavin is over 10 lakh litres per day less than the procurement during previous AIADMK Govt. Why? Also alleges an underhand price hike of Rs.8 per litre by reducing the fat content by 1% and… https://t.co/yboS2ShVUv
At the Eriyur police station in Dharmapuri, the Special Sub-Inspector Sahadevan, a 50-year-old officer is facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The arrest follows a complaint lodged by the father of the victim, a girl who just turned 18-year-old, with the Superintendent of Police, against Sahadevan in Pennagaram.
Sahadevan belongs to the Neruppur Maniyakaran village in Dharmapuri district. He has been working as a Special Sub-Inspector at the Eriyur police station.
The young woman complainant alleges that Sahadevan engaged in sexual abuse under the false promise of marriage three years ago despite know that she was still a minor. The repercussions of this alleged abuse include her pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.
Even after that, the police officer prevented her from disclosing the relationship and about the child and assured her parents that he will marry her. The child is said to be 1.5 years old now. When she went to seek for his marriage after turning 18, the police official refused. Following this, the girl’s father lodged a complaint with the District Superintendent of Police.
The complaint was swiftly transferred to the All-Women Police station, resulting in the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Special Sub-Inspector.
SSI Sahadevan absconded, and then surrendered himself. He was booked under Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It has come to light that Special Sub-Inspector Sahadevan, currently facing charges under the POCSO Act at the Eriyur police station in Dharmapuri, has a history marred by criminal activities. Notably, Sahadevan had previously spent time behind bars for his involvement in stealing seized vehicles from the same police station.
Kollywood actor Mansoor Ali Khan’s derogatory statements aimed at Trisha met with significant backlash from the public and it also saw a few actors and members of the film industry voice their support for her condemning the crass remarks.
A recent video has come to my notice where Mr.Mansoor Ali Khan has spoken about me in a vile and disgusting manner.I strongly condemn this and find it sexist,disrespectful,misogynistic,repulsive and in bad taste.He can keep wishing but I am grateful never to have shared screen…
Khusbhu, a BJP member and also a member of the NCW, voiced her support.
As a member of NCW, I have already taken up the issue of Mansoor Ali khan with my senior and will be taking an action on it. Nobody can get away with such a filthy mind. I stand with @trishtrashers and my other colleagues where this man speaks in such a sexist disgusting mindset…
The NCW directed the TNDGP to book the actor for the remarks.
The National Commission for Women is deeply concerned about the derogatory remarks made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan towards actress Trisha Krishna. We're taking suo motu in this matter directing the DGP to invoke IPC Section 509 B and other relevant laws.Such remarks normalize…
Telugu star Chiranjeevi came out in support of Trisha on 21 November 2023.
My attention was drawn to some reprehensible comments made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha.
The comments are distasteful and disgusting not just for an Artiste but for any woman or girl. These comments must be condemned in the strongest words. They reek of perversion.…
The South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA), also known as Nadigar Sangam, vehemently denounced actor Mansoor Ali Khan on 19 November 2023 for his sexist remarks directed at Trisha. The association demanded a public apology from Khan, expressing strong disapproval of his disrespectful comments about Trisha and two other actresses at the press meeting. The actors’ body is contemplating the temporary suspension of Khan’s membership until he issues a formal apology. SIAA President, noted actor M Nasser, emphasised that Khan should extend his apology to the actresses in a public forum, considering the gravity of his remarks made in the presence of journalists.
Following this Khan called for a press meeting and here are some edited excerpts of the meeting.
He said, “Nadigar Sangam has made a very big mistake. They know I’m the senior-most member, such a video has come out (referring to the viral video of him making the crass rape remarks), they haven’t asked me anything about the video, they have not called me on the phone, they should ask me for an explanation by sending a notice. Can someone running a Sangam do this?I give the Nadigar Sangam 4 hours. What did they say in the press release yesterday? That I should bow down and apologise? What is this? Do I belong to a breed that apologises? Nadigar Sangam has made a Himalayan blunder. I have controlled myself. If I let go, then I will come down to stripping you of your loincloth, you will all run helter-skelter.” He says this while making hand gestures and expressions indicating that he is issuing a threat to them.
He adds, “What is the next programme? Kalaignar’s centenary programme. You will make the women dance like this and that and make me a scapegoat and get a good name for yourselves? I don’t blame the YouTube channels for discussing this news, but the Nadigar Sangam did not ask me for any explanation and asked me to apologise.”
He continued, “For the past few days, I have been treating my hand which was broken around 15 years ago. That girl.. what’s her name..Trisha said (mimics a female voice) ‘I hate acting with him. I will not share screen space with him for life’. All newspapers started using our photos side by side as if we were bride and groom. Couldn’t you all have used a better photo of mine?… All languages have given coverage, It has gone till Hollywood. In that sense, I’m happy about the publicity. But what Nadigar Sangam did was a Himalayan blunder. They should have done an inquiry first.”
He adds, “Now what is a rape scene in cinema? Does a rape scene in cinema mean raping for real? If someone kills in a movie, that too hero only does all this these days…are they murdering for real? Do dumb-f**ks with no brains think rape scene in cinema means doing the act for real? Shouldn’t you all have brains? Shouldn’t the Sangam have brains? Are people sitting there an epitome of discipline? Shouldn’t they have this basic sense? How do they film a rape scene in movies? Actress Meera Jasmine made her debut with me. I lift her and drop her on a bed with a thud. She got hurt, the assistant was called, and the clothing was uncovered, I covered it and apologised to her if my hand touched her by any means. She said there was nothing of that sort. I asked for a spray to be put on her hip injury, this is how it takes place, a rape scene in cinema. I leave it to you all to decide. I do not get scared of these antics. The whole of Tamil Nadu is on my side. Even if I know everything about artists, I am not the one to speak ill of them. Khushbu sister, S. Ve Shekhar in your BJP party said that women who go to work, get work only by sleeping with men, why don’t you arrest him? There is someone named Sharma in Sivagangai. What did he say about you? Why don’t you arrest him? It was a girl who first died for NEET named Anitha. If you have shame and honour, you too hang and die. Anitha was a girl only, right? What is the NCW plucking? Why did you bring NEET to my state? Did you all go to Manipur?”
He adds, “In 4 hours, the Nadigar Sangam should take back its press release and send me a notice and give me 21 days for reply. They should call me on my phone and intimate me. Nasser did not attend my calls. Am I a fool? Does Mansoor Ali Khan look like an abandoned corpse to you? I am warning you, if I get up, a deluge will come about. Tamil Nadu will stand by my side. I am not criticising Nadigar Sangam, this is the reaction to their actions.”
Talking about actor and politician Roja, he said, “Roja is someone who has acted with me, she’s a good girl, she has been forced to talk. I should be the one to file defamation on all these ladies.”
When a reporter asked whether he felt he spoke something wrong, he said, “How will I regret what I have spoken when I didn’t speak anything wrong?” The reporter continues to point out that had he spoken about a rape scene, it wouldn’t have become such an issue but since he mentioned Trisha, particularly in his statement, it was an issue. The actor “clarified” that he said that as a joke and that everyone mistook what he meant. He goes on to add, “You are a fan. What does a fan do? He keeps photos (of female celebrities) here (makes lewd gestures towards every region of the body). An actor will be worshipped like that, it is ok. We are not people who demean artists like that.” When the reporter remained insistent on his stance, Mansoor added, “I didn’t mean anything personally. She (Trisha) should thank me at this juncture. What does Lokesh Kanagaraj know? They have been manipulated. After all this has settled I might even file a damage suit. Will not leave just like that.”
He continues to insist that the video was edited (cut and pasted) to show him in poor light. He also insisted that the Nadigar Sangam do an inquiry on this and accused it of acting in haste.
When reporters try to point out the flaws in his stance, he starts yelling at them, deviates from the topic, and starts talking about Udhayanidhi Stalin’s eradicate Sanathana Dharma remarks. He also tried to damage one of their microphones by repeatedly banging on it and said, “I am part of this industry, I am part of this land, I am a Tamizhan, understand that first!”.
When asked his opinion on Udhayanidhi Stalin claiming he was Christian, he said he considers him a Hindu since both his parents (Durga Stalin and MK Stalin) and his grandfather were Hindu. He then adds, “Khushbu madam (he uses the word pirattiyar in a derogatory sense) must use her brain. Mansoor Ali Khan is also protecting you. In Tamil Nadu politics, they cannot even pluck grass. Congress will win 25 out of 40 seats here. I support Congress voluntarily.”
He keeps deviating from the topic to speak about Adani, BJP, Modi, and unconnected issues. He also claims that he protested for the sake of the Nadigar Sangam and the people but no one gave him the due recognition.
A female reporter questions him on the words used in the said video. Patronisingly, he says, “I have a Women’s Commission at home itself. If I say anything wrong, they will hammer me. I have two daughters of marriageable age like you. When I said, I would throw them on the bed, I meant as a character, I am repeating this again and again. Do they actually rape in cinema, do they kill for real in a murder scene?”
When the reporter insists on his original words, he raises his voice and repeats the same thing. He goes on insisting that he never said anything wrong. “You say children are watching my videos, did I say anything sexy or derogatory? I said it ordinarily, I appreciated them. I don’t even have sharp nails, I behave very kindly with my co-stars and everyone knows it.”
At this juncture, male reporters interrupt, highlighting the irony in Mansoor Ali Khan’s treatment of the female reporter, particularly given the press conference’s focus on the actor’s offensive remarks against women. In response, Mansoor Ali Khan further exacerbates the situation by making additional inappropriate references about Trisha. He says, “I am a human being, I am not the one who stripped and drunk-danced at the beach in the middle of the night and got arrested by the police. I am not referencing anyone in particular but she is a good actress. She spoke out of some kind of anger at me. But we will still act together in the next film. I appreciate her. Now thanks to her, my photos are in every newspaper, and they have used our photos like bride and groom together, in the future something else might happen..(a reporter interjects saying this way of speaking is only leading to the press coverage).. I will talk like this only. If you take it in the wrong sense, it is not my problem. I know how the Godi media is. Everyone is looking for employment, I cannot blame them. Let them earn using my name on YouTube.”
When a reporter asked why no one in the industry is condemning the crass remarks made by Bailvan Ranganathan frequently, he said, “I am a senior actor in the industry. I have reprimanded Bailvan Ranganathan for his comments many times. He has no work so he is doing that. People don’t have jobs, they are levying GST on everything and troubling the people. They are increasing gas prices, and toll fares, and even cinema halls are empty nowadays. People have no money in hand. Politicians are stripping us of our wealth. I called you for something else. I humbly request the Tamil Nadu CM to conduct a caste census. They should do away with the EVM. Only if the caste census is conducted, people like Bailvan Ranganathan will get jobs. Nadigar Sangam has made a mistake and must retract their press release. I will not be quiet if they don’t do that.”
He ends the press meet by singing the National Anthem while touching his hair and setting it right. This was questioned by a journalist and led to everyone verbally pouncing on the journalist for making “crazy allegations”.
All the while Khan maintains that his viral video was edited and his statements were misconstrued, it is noteworthy that the statements do not seem to be edited as he had said something similar during the Leo success meet.
On 21 November 2023, Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a photo exhibition organised by the Department of Archeology in Madurai to mark World Heritage Week, celebrated from 19 November 2023 to 25 November 2023. The exhibition, titled ‘Temples of Southern Tamil Nadu,’ was held at the Thiagarajar College campus in Madurai and was jointly organised by the Trichy Department of Archeology Department and Thiagarajar College.
During the event, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her concern over the lack of opportunities to showcase Tamil Nadu’s rich tradition. She highlighted the intricate sculptures carved by the ancients on rocks, representing the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Sitharaman lamented the unfortunate practice of painting historical places with paint when a minister visits, emphasising the need to understand the consequences of such actions. She also expressed sorrow over how history is hidden if painting is done in such a manner and that archaeological rock structures are lost because of this. Additionally, Sitharaman emphasised the close connection between Tamil literature and Kudaivarai temples, noting that the writings in these temples are intertwined with the spirituality and literature of the Tamil language.
Madurai CPIM MP Su Venkatesan questioned why the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had abandoned the excavation in Keeladi. He also questioned why the ASI, even one researcher from TN was not included in the committee on Keeladi and why researcher Amarnath Ramakrishnan’s thesis on Keeladi had not been published to date.
மாண்புமிகு @nsitharaman அவர்கள் மதுரையில் ASI பற்றியும், தமிழ்நாட்டு வரலாறு பற்றியும் பெருமையோடு பேசியிருக்கிறார். அவருக்கு எனது நன்றி.
தமிழ்நாட்டு வரலாற்றின் புதிய திருப்புமுனை கீழடி. ஆனால் இதே ASI கீழடி அகழாய்வை கைவிட்டு வெளியேறியது ஏன் என்பதை கூற முடியுமா? 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hDDL2thoEm
Debunking these claims and questions, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party State Secretary SG Suryah wrote on his X handle, “The field officers of Archaeological Survey of India are regularly carrying out archaeological excavations and field studies. Adichanallur is being developed as one of the five iconic sites in the country where archaeological excavations were conducted and excavated remains are being preserved to showcase archaeological heritage to the visitors in its own place. Honourable Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone in August 2023, the program was attended by Smt. Kanimozhi as well.”
He further added “Publication of excavation reports is a regular ongoing process which is done after thorough editing and in consultation with subject experts. The report of #Keezhadi is under the process and will be published in due course & there’s no attempt to stop it. So peddle your lies elsewhere Mr. Su Venkatesan & restrict yourself only to your best role of being a Tourist Guide to certain actors & their families in Keezhadi. But, like your previous stint, do not make poor Govt. School students wait for hours in the hot sun for your privileged VIP visit.”
The field officers of Archaeological Survey of India are regularly carrying out archaeological excavations and field studies. #Adichanallur is being developed as one of the five iconic sites in the country where archaeological excavations were conducted and excavated remains are… https://t.co/xBPCS0dk8bpic.twitter.com/fY8esPPWlK
It is noteworthy that Su Venkatesan was seen along with actor Suriya and Jothika during their visit to the Keeladi museum in April 2023 when schoolchildren were forced to stand in the scorching sun for several hours outside.
It is also not the first time that Venkatesan has peddled misinformation on social media – he is a habitual liar. He fabricated lies by misquoting Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia – he claimed that his request for a Madurai airport was turned down by Scindia in 2021. He peddled false propaganda by quoting wrong data about the budget allocations of the Central Government in 2022. He also claimed that it was compulsory for the loco pilot driving the first Vande Bharat train to know Hindi.
He had also peddled lies about Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman about write-offs without understanding the basic difference between write-offs and waivers. He also claimed that the only volleyball training center in Tamil Nadu had been shifted to Varanasi and that orders were passed to cancel the recognition of volleyball and handball training centers in Mayiladuthurai.
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During a recent media interaction, Mansoor Ali Khan made an inappropriate comment regarding Trisha. He expressed remorse for not having the chance for an intimate scene with her and referenced his participation in ‘rape scenes.’
Mansoor Ali Khan speaking about his shooting experience in Vijay-starrer Leo said “When I heard that I was acting with Trisha, I thought there would be a bedroom scene in the film. I thought that I could carry her to the bedroom just like I did with other actresses in my earlier movies. I have done so many rape scenes in a number of movies and it’s not new to me. But these guys didn’t even show Trisha to me on the sets during the Kashmir schedule.”
Trisha and the Leo’ director Lokesh Kanagaraj, responded with strong criticism.
A recent video has come to my notice where Mr.Mansoor Ali Khan has spoken about me in a vile and disgusting manner.I strongly condemn this and find it sexist,disrespectful,misogynistic,repulsive and in bad taste.He can keep wishing but I am grateful never to have shared screen…
Disheartened and enraged to hear the misogynistic comments made by Mr.Mansoor Ali Khan, given that we all worked in the same team. Respect for women, fellow artists and professionals should be a non-negotiable in any industry and I absolutely condemn this behaviour. https://t.co/PBlMzsoDZ3
Khushbu Sundar, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), swiftly intervened in the controversy surrounding derogatory remarks allegedly made by Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha Krishnan. She publicly pledged to address the issue and voiced unwavering support for Trisha. Through a social media post, Khushbu condemned those with a “filthy mind,” firmly opposing a sexist and offensive mindset that devalues women. She reiterated her commitment to the ongoing struggle to safeguard women’s dignity, denouncing individuals with such attitudes as harmful to society.
As a member of NCW, I have already taken up the issue of Mansoor Ali khan with my senior and will be taking an action on it. Nobody can get away with such a filthy mind. I stand with @trishtrashers and my other colleagues where this man speaks in such a sexist disgusting mindset…
On 21 November 2023, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi tweeted in support of actress Trisha condemning the lewd comments of Mansur Ali Khan.
He said “My attention was drawn to some reprehensible comments made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha. The comments are distasteful and disgusting not just for an Artiste but for any woman or girl. These comments must be condemned in the strongest words. They reek of perversion. I stand with @trishtrashers and every woman who has to be subject to such horrid comments.“
My attention was drawn to some reprehensible comments made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha.
The comments are distasteful and disgusting not just for an Artiste but for any woman or girl. These comments must be condemned in the strongest words. They reek of perversion.…
On the other hand, the virtue-signallers of Kollywood who consider themselves to be champions of justice have maintained stoic silence. None of the so-called top stars of Tamil cinema have come forward in extending solidarity to Trisha.
Superstar Rajinikanth who has of late been signing movies with production houses linked to the DMK family has remained silent on the matter. It is noteworthy to mention that Trisha was one of the main female leads in his 2019 film Petta.
Kamal Haasan who had starred alongside Trisha in Thoonga Vanam and Manmadan Ambu too remains mouth-zipped on the issue. It is a different matter that Kamal himself has been accused of kissing an underage actress without her consent during the shoot of his blockbuster film Punnagai Mannan. He had recently hailed and thanked lyricist Vairamuthu who has been accused of sexual harassment by several women.
Suriya Sivakumar, another so-called top star who often indulges in virtue-signalling on and off screen too has not spoken a word or put a tweet in solidarity with Trisha. He had worked with her in movies like Mounam Pesiyathe, Ayutha Ezhuthu, Aaru.
Though actor Vijay keeps a low profile on social media, he has not extended support to his co-star of Leo film. Vijay too is known for speaking fiery dialogues in his films and on-stage during audio-launches.
Ajith Kumar doesn’t have a social media account and has always stayed away from unwarranted virtue-signalling and courting controversies.
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On Monday (20 November 2023), the Madras High Court opted to await the Bombay High Court’s decision in a case filed by satirist Kunal Kamra challenging the Centre’s establishment of a Fact Check Unit (FCU) before making a decision in a case against the FCU set up by the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy adjourned a public interest litigation petition against the State government’s FCU until 6 December 2023, as senior counsel Vijay Narayan indicated that the Bombay High Court was expected to deliver its verdict on 1 December 2023.
The PIL, filed by AIADMK’s IT wing office-bearer R. Nirmal Kumar, was represented by Mr. Narayan, assisted by K. Gowtham Kumar. They argued that although the government had initially stated in the Assembly its intention to establish a social media cell in the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), it had instead formed an FCU. According to Mr. Narayan, the creation of an FCU falls under the jurisdiction of the Centre as per the Information Technology Act and related statutory rules. He pointed out that even the Centre’s authority had been challenged in the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court.
Questioning about the necessity of establishing an FCU, Mr. Narayan expressed concern that the FCU might transform into a tool for government censorship, particularly regarding criticism of government activities. He argued that the FCU’s ability to refer matters it deems fake news to the police could potentially be misused, leading to a chilling effect on free speech.
“The police will have little choice but to act when the FCU refers certain matters that it concludes to be fake news. This will be a very dangerous tool in the hands of the government to completely terrorise people. This is something which will have a chilling effect on free speech,” Mr. Narayan argued.
Mr. Narayan informed the court that the State government had filled 80 posts in the FCU and appointed a Mission Director without publicizing the recruitment process. However, senior counsel P.S. Raman and Additional Advocate-General J. Ravindran countered that only eight posts had been filled so far.
They explained to the Division Bench that the FCU was essential due to recent incidents of false information, such as fake news about mass killings of Biharis in Tamil Nadu, being widely circulated on social media. The judges decided to hear further arguments on 6 December 2023.
The extended hours of a Chennai pub during the World Cup final led to a disturbing incident that has ignited widespread condemnation of news channels such as Thanthi TV, Polimer News, News Tamil 24×7, etc for their biased and derogatory coverage of women patrons.
On the night of the World Cup final, a pub on Turn Bulls Road in Chennai allegedly violated the mandated curfew by remaining open past midnight. The police arrived, responding to a complaint, and enforced the closure of the establishment. However, it was the presence of news channels that escalated the situation, with reporters critiquing the attire and conduct of the women patrons.
Reports from the Saidapet police confirmed the pub’s violation of operating hours, leading to necessary police action and the filing of an FIR. What ensued, however, was a questionable focus by news channels on the women present at the pub. The coverage, aired on television, depicted reporters chasing women, taking their pictures, and making derogatory remarks about their behaviour.
Women leaving the pub were hounded by news channels, with cameramen insisting on capturing their faces, disregarding their objections and attempts to protect their privacy. Some women were even told to die when expressing reluctance to be filmed. The news channels labelled the women as “high on booze” and termed the incident as “social destruction,” further fuelling the controversy.
The manner of reporting, characterised by derogatory comments and insinuations about women’s conduct, triggered outrage on social media. The reporters and video cameraman of Thanthi TV can be seen chasing Many criticised the media for unfairly targeting the women at the pub and perpetuating a misogynistic narrative. Thanthi TV faced significant backlash for initially blaming the women for an alleged “all-night alcohol party” and persistently focusing on them, even after editing their social media post.
Here is Thanthi TV’s thumbnail on the news item, it caption reads, “Enjoyment in Chennai Pub… Lovebirds who got caught in the raid, covered their faces and ran away”. The thumbnail reads, “Enjoyment in Chennai pub, lovebirds caught in raid, ran helter skelter wearing a veil. We will roam in groups…. and shout ayyo”
Screenshot of Thanthi TV YouTube thumbnail
Thanthi TV had posted on their X handle but later deleted after the backlash.
Screenshot of deleted Thanthi TV X post
This post reads, “Booze party until dawn… Police denied their entry… Women wearing clothes immodestly and ran away.”
Polimer News whose posts have been deleted now wrote, “Who is in the bar? Look at ‘Bacardi’ Akka…! Colourful drunkards run away…! We lost the match… so we are drinking..!”
Screenshot of Polimer News deleted X post
The image shared in the X post also says the same thing as mentioned above.
Screenshot of Polimer News deleted X post
News Tamil 24×7 post said, “In the bar, in a dizzy state, the young people (the word used is a slur for young) ran helter-skelter… Intoxicated rich girls who blabbered…! In our Chennai only…!”
Screenshot of News Tamil 24×7’s deleted X post
By the evening of 21 November 2023, all the controversial posts on social media platform X were deleted.
While on the one hand, these channels were moral policing the women, on the other The News Minute tried to save face for Thanthi TV by pulling in Polimer News in its report. Here is the byline of the article they wrote on the issue.
The Saidapet police, under whose jurisdiction the pub falls, acknowledged receiving a complaint. They stated that news channels arrived at the scene before the police, making it challenging to prevent them from covering the events.
The police are currently conducting an inquiry to determine if the pub violated closing hours, with no FIR registered as of now.
What Happened At The Pub
According to a report by The News Minute, a group of five men arrived at the pub around 11:20 pm and demanded entry, but the pub, citing a dress code requiring men to wear shoes, declined. Additionally, the pub informed them that it was closing for the day and not admitting more customers.
Initial reports from Tamil news channels alleged that the pub exceeded Tamil Nadu’s mandated closing time of 11:30 pm. However, according to bar staff interviewed by TNM, they had informed the intoxicated men that current patrons were finishing their last drinks and would soon leave.
Subsequently, the group lingered outside, threatening to assault any exiting customers. A media person arrived at the scene, inquiring about the commotion and attempting to enter. CCTV footage obtained by TNM captured a scuffle between the group and the bar’s bouncers. The footage depicted a man, identified as a News Tamil 24*7 reporter, trying to forcefully enter the bar, accompanied by at least six others.
The altercation escalated after midnight, prompting the arrival of more media personnel and the police. A senior police officer confirmed responding to a control room call and noted that the situation appeared retaliatory. The police mentioned that one of the men had informed the reporter about the disturbance.
Contradicting this, when questioned by TNM, the reporter claimed he rushed to the scene based on a tip-off related to his crime beat. He asserted attempting to force the door open to inspect the situation inside.
Interestingly, despite being the first on the scene, News Tamil 24*7 did not broadcast the story until Monday evening. Although no FIR was filed, police sources indicated that the bar owner was required to submit an undertaking promising compliance with regulations.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief on the passing away of visionary ophthalmologist and founder of Sankara Nethralaya, Dr. SS Badrinath.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. SS Badrinath Ji, a visionary, expert in ophthalmology and founder of Sankara Nethralaya. His contributions to eye care and his relentless service to society have left an indelible mark. His work will continue to inspire generations. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.“, PM Modi wrote on his social media.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. SS Badrinath Ji, a visionary, expert in ophthalmology and founder of Sankara Nethralaya. His contributions to eye care and his relentless service to society have left an indelible mark. His work will continue to inspire generations.…
Dr. SS Badrinath, the visionary founder and chairman emeritus of Sankara Nethralaya, passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday. Renowned for establishing one of India’s largest charitable eye hospitals in Chennai in 1978, Dr. Badrinath devoted himself to a noble cause, providing free medical treatment to economically disadvantaged segments of society.
Born in a small Chennai suburb, Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath faced the loss of both parents during his teenage years. Utilizing the insurance proceeds from his parents’ demise, he pursued his passion for medical sciences. Beginning his career with internships in various ophthalmology centers in New York, Dr. Badrinath, along with a group of like-minded doctors, founded Sankara Nethralaya as a charitable, not-for-profit eye hospital in 1978, aiming to extend free treatment to the underprivileged.
Sankara Nethralaya, under Dr. Badrinath’s leadership, emerged as a hub of charitable medical services, welcoming around 1200 patients daily and performing 100 free eye surgeries. The institute also plays a crucial role in training aspiring eye specialists through its programs.
Recognizing his significant contributions to society, Dr. SS Badrinath was honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards by the Government of India, the third and fourth highest civilian honors in the country, respectively. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of Sankara Nethralaya.
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Following the allegations levelled by Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party Chief K Annamalai, the “Mission Director” of the Fact-Checking Unit (FCU) set up by the Tamil Nadu government, Iyan Karthikeyan stepped into the scene.
To prove his worthiness, he “fact-checked” the claim made by Annamalai, or so we thought. Instead of proving that the milk contained a specific amount of fat as claimed or other details that pertained to the topic of discussion, he ended up fact-checking the “container” in which the sample was received.
He wrote, “Sample received in PET container But, Aavin is not selling milk in PET container and it is not mentioned as Aavin. Sample must be sent with original pack without any mal practice.”
Sample received in PET container But, Aavin is not selling milk in PET container and it is not mentioned as Aavin .
Annamalai had posted about the difference in fat percentage in the Green Magic milk variant supplied by Aavin compared to what was claimed by them. He wrote on his X handle, “Tamil Nadu Government’s Aavin Milk Company has decided to stop the sale of green packet milk, which has been in use for the last forty years, is strongly condemned. The decision to stop the sale of green packet milk with 4.5% fat content and to sell purple packet milk with 3.5% fat content is an act of cheating the public. Orange packet milk, which should already contain 6% fat content, has 4.79% fat content, according to a study conducted by a Food Safety and Standardization Authority (FSSAI) approved laboratory. We have attached this test report for the Minister’s consideration. This corrupt DMK government is deliberately playing with the development of children who depend on Aavin company’s milk by reducing the fat content. Also, I urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately stop deceiving the public by reducing the fat content of milk and not reducing the price, and provide quality milk at the price paid by the public.”
தமிழக அரசின் ஆவின் பால் நிறுவனம், கடந்த நாற்பது ஆண்டுகளாகப் பயன்பாட்டில் இருக்கும் பச்சை நிற பாக்கெட் பால் விற்பனையை நிறுத்திக் கொள்ள முடிவெடுத்திருப்பது வன்மையாகக் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது.
மொத்தமாக சென்னையில், சுமார் 14.75 லட்சம் லிட்டர் விற்பனையாகும் ஆவின் பாலில், 40% பங்குள்ள, 4.5%… pic.twitter.com/6fLzNIISCk
Iyan Karthikeyan’s dubious fact-check was debunked by netizens. One of them shared a video of how a test is done in the lab. The video showed how a sample is taken in a sterile PET container and how the process is carried out in a laboratory.
Another netizen called out his assumption that samples taken for testing are taken directly from the milk packet rather than a sterile container. He also shared a detailed infographic on what a milk sample bottle looks like, what is it used for, etc.
Tamil Nadu BJP Industrial Cell Vice President Selva Kumar slammed Iyan Karthikeyan claiming it to be dubious. He wrote, “FCU Karthikeyan & his team are getting paid crores & crores of taxpayers money only to give “murattu muttu” for all failures & misadventures of this govt. After 20 days of getting appointed as mission director, he just came out today with one single tweet asking for “original pack”. How can an illegal FCU dictate terms on how a sample should be tested? Do you mean to say that when blood samples are given, it should be taken from the body directly not just a few ml of sample blood? Cheating people is not new for this govt, In Feb 2023, Aavin Coimbatore started supplying green magic milk with just 3.5% milk printed on the back but on the front, it continued to say 4.5% in large font. When many milk dealers across TN started questioning the government, they introduced a new category Purple.”
FCU Karthikeyan & his team is getting paid crores & crores of taxpayers money only to give “murattu muttu” for all failures & mis-adventures of this govt. After 20 days of getting appointed as mission director, he just came out today with one single tweet asking for “original… https://t.co/SKKplMMhgt
Several others schooled the “Mission Director” of the FCU on how a sample is taken and in what container a milk sample is taken for testing.
This is how the milk sample is taken from the farmer for testing and based on the per liter price will be paid to the farmer. You should stick to your usual fake propaganda if you don't know this process. https://t.co/j3WZqO1dWBpic.twitter.com/dwZXayi1lz
Seems our man has never heard of 'sterilised standard containers' mentioned by the tech in the report which magically make it – 'not Avin.' https://t.co/x7Gal4vCAn
You say “sample”. Samples need not be in original container. They have taken a small quantity in a PET container and tested it. https://t.co/RjoZaexeIK
I don’t think it as a #FactCheck . You should have tested the milk and posted the results the so called original results. You are doing the job of a DMK IT wing. #200Rshttps://t.co/AdZez6xFTc
