There were so many controversies surrounding the much publicized Star Cricket Tournament conducted by the Nadigar Sangam to raise funds for the construction of a new building that would help its members.

Many people criticized the idea of getting money from public instead of using their own funds. There were also strong rumors suggesting that actor Ajith was strongly opposed to the idea of conducting a cricket tournament for the Nadigar Sangam and he wanted actors themselves to contribute the funds to construct the building.

Veteran actor S. Ve. Shekher who is also a long standing member of Nadigar Sangam clears the air about the controversies surrounding the Star Cricket Tournament and Ajith`s alleged disapproval. He has been a staunch supporter of the current team of office-bearers ever since Vishal and a group of actors started opposing the previous administration over the agreement to lease the Nadigar Sangam land to SPI Cinemas, which was revoked after the new team won the elections.

"Ajith is a good friend of mine. He will always opt for donating money rather than taking part in events to raise funds, like Star nights. For that, can we ask him to bear the entire cost of construction? Will it be fair? Only others are saying that Ajith said something like that. Did he conduct a Press meet and said anything critical about the Star cricket tournament? Ajith is not someone who would pass such unnecessary comments. If he wishes to say something he would say that directly to the concerned persons. I know him very well. This is a mere rumor being spread under his name. "

Shekher also brushed aside the criticisms stating that the actors are not willing to contribute their money and they want public to pay for their building.

"The plan to construct a building is not for anyone`s selfish motives. The building will benefit many artists who are toiling hard for one time meal a day. Not even 300 members of the Nadigar Sangam have a regular job. The funds are being collected to ensure the livelihood for such members for life time. We will get around Rs.55 lakhs as rent from the proposed building. We are not begging fom anyone.

The actors gave up their one day work and played cricket. They practiced for almost one month and this is not an easy joke.

Moreover, the actors are contributing from their salaries also. Sivakumar, Suriya and Karthi have promised to sponsor for a cinema theater that will cost around Rs.3 crores. Isari Ganesh will take up the construction of the wedding hall that would cost around Rs.5 crores. Kamal Haasan has offered Rs.1 crore as his financial aid for the construction of the building.

People also ask what the actors have done for the flood relief. The Nadigar Sangam has given various aids that would come up to the monetary value of Rs.5 crores. It is easy to criticise others but those who keep criticizing others will not do any help. "