Screen icons join hands with striking film industry

Bangalore, Nov 28 (IANS): Two icons of Kannada cinema - Raj Kumar and Vishnuvardhan - have warned the Karnataka government that they will take to the streets if the "continuous humiliation" of the state's film industry is not stopped.

At a joint media conference here, Raj Kumar said: "I am prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of Kannada language and culture. I am prepared to fight as the first warrior."

The industry is observing a strike since Thursday and technicians, artistes and producers staged a symbolic protest rally led by Raj Kumar and Vishnu.

At the press conference, Vishnu said: "Deliberate attempts are being made to undermine the influence and progress of the Kannada language and films everywhere. I will be with Raj anna in this fight."

The two declared that they were together in fighting for many other related issues concerning the "three Ks" - Kannada, Kannadiga and Karnataka.

The issues include implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report on jobs for Kannada-speaking people in public and private sector industries, building infrastructure and development in border areas of the state, the right of the state with regard to Cauvery and Krishna river waters with neighbouring states and implementation of the Nanjundappa report on regional imbalances.

The two stars have charted their own paths to eminence in the industry and have influenced several positive trends in Kannada cinema.

Raj Kumar stopped acting after a 50-year stint in films. Vishnuvardhan was just two years old when Raj Kumar's first film "Bedara Kannappa" was released. Vishnu's recent film "Aaptha Mithra" is one of the biggest hits ever.