Money is being distributed to artistes: Naga Babu on MAA elections

Speaking in favour of Prakash Raj panel, the senior actor questioned the opposition panel, Manchu Vishnu, how could actor Prakash Raj become indispensable if he is not a Telugu person.

Hyderabad: Senior Telugu actor Naga Babu on Wednesday alleged that a few people in support of actor Manchu Vishnu were distributing money to artistes in order to win the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) elections. He appealed to all Telugu artistes not to be influenced by money or freebies and wished that Prakash Raj win the president’s post for next three terms. 

Speaking in favour of Prakash Raj panel, the senior actor questioned the opposition panel, Manchu Vishnu, how could actor Prakash Raj become indispensable if he is not a Telugu person. “Whether it’s small or big, everyone wants to cast him in movies. He has become an indispensable star in Telugu cinema. He is an Indian actor, after all, everyone should admit the fact that he has reached an unique stature as an actor. I’d never thought that Prakash Raj would contest the MAA polls coming this far. He personally told me one day that he would let go of a few films to work fulltime for the movie artistes’ body. Only Prakash Raj would take a remuneration of Rs 1 crore per movie. And he wants to let go of the offers because he wants to do something for the artists,” Naga Babu said.

He further questioned as to why senior actors like Kota Srinivasa Rao and Babu Mohan were behaving as if they’re not aware of Prakash Raj. “There is a conspiracy being laid to damage the image of the association. As much as Rs 10,000 is being distributed to each artiste to win the elections. Artistes are being assured further payment during the polling day,” he said.  

Naga Babu said that a few actors and MAA members have taken Manchu Vishnu as a prestigious face of the association. A few members in the panel insisted that only a Telugu person should win the president’s post. “Aren’t Telugu actors acting in other languages?” he questioned. 

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