Various important decisions to protect the interest of actors were taken at the 58th general body meeting of the South Indian Film Artistes’ Association (SIFAA), popularly called as Nadigar Sangam, in Chennai on Sunday.

The meeting presided over by the association president R Sarath Kumar resolved that artistes are merely workers and should not be held responsible for the profit or loss incurred by theatre owners.

On the issue of taking action on actors visiting the neighbouring Sri Lanka, the Nadigar Sangam said a decision in this regard would be taken by the Joint Consultative Committee at a meeting soon.

“A mutually acceptable solution would be worked out by the Joint Consultative Committee, which comprises the Film Employees Federation of India, SIFAA, Tamil Film Producers Council, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce and directors association among others,” Sarath said.

SIFAA secretary Radha Ravi said, “An actor does not have anything to do with the business of screening films. Theatre owners cannot threaten actors or seek compensation from them for losses incurred.”

The association has also requested that all artistes become members of the SIFAA latest by August 15 failing which they will not be permitted to act in Tamil films.