Well-known character artiste CVL Narasimha Rao, who was recently seen in 'Jathi Ratnalu' as a lawyer, is also an advocate. On Sunday, he announced that he would be running for MAA President this year. He has stated that the welfare of poor and middle-class artists from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would be his priority.

Rao added that the issues faced by Telangana artists will be an area of concern to him. In his video message, Rao said that a rule was passed unanimously several years ago, saying that there can only be two non-Telugu artists in a movie aside from the female lead. "But the norm has been flouted. It has been years since Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated. We have had two Film Development Corporations, two Cinematography Ministries. A Telangana Movie Artists Association was registered way back in 2009, but the same has remained non-functional. The MAA has to be bifurcated, separate divisions for Telangana and AP divisions should be brought into existence," Rao said, listing out his agenda.

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CVL demanded that Telanganites should get adequate representation in the MAA. "We have to make the needed reforms amicably. There should be no place for acrimony in all this," he added.

On Monday, taking to Twitter, senior actress Vijayashanthi came out in support of Rao's agenda. She said that Rao's demands are justified.