Reacting to a statement issued by South Indian Film Artistes Association against a recent speech by FEFSI President V C Guhanathan, the FEFSI on Thursday ‘strongly condemned’ the Nadigar Sangam.

In a statement jointly signed by important office bearers of the film employees’ federation said Guhanathan did not speak in the capacity of FEFSI chief, but as a Tamilian. “He clarified it at the function itself,” it said.

“Guhanathan is a senior who has occupied various positions in different bodies of the industry. He is striving hard for the development of film workers. We are badly hurt by some comments made against him by Nadigar Sangam,” the statement said.

It added that office bearers of South Indian Film Artistes Association could have come in person or penned a letter to FEFSI seeking an explanation on Guhanathan’s speech rather than issuing an open statement.

A couple of days ago, the Nadigar Sangam has objected strongly to certain remarks reportedly made against actor Arya by Guhanathan. In a statement, Nadigar Sangam president Sarath Kumar, Secretary Radha Ravi and Treasurer Vagai Chandrasekar said they were shocked to learn about Guhanathan’s speech at an audio launch function recently.

“Arya is one of the leading actors here. He is friendly with producers, directors and technicians. But you had made a false allegation against him that he was against Tamil actors,” the office-bearers of SIFAA said.

They added: “When our association is there to take action against erring artistes, it is needless for you to comment against them at public platforms. You have been doing this for publicity.”