Kerala Minister Criticizes Actress Over Rs 5 Lakh Fee for Youth Festival Training
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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 9 (NationPress) A stir has emerged in Kerala following State Education Minister V. Sivankutty's public rebuke of a well-known Malayalam actress and danseuse for her demand of Rs 5 lakh to coach school students for a dance presentation at the imminent school youth festival.
During a public gathering, Sivankutty, recognized for his candid remarks, voiced his disapproval, stating that the actress achieved her fame through this very youth festival. "All we requested from her was a mere 10 minutes to assist students in preparing for the festival's inaugural dance performance. Her demand for such an exorbitant amount is sheer arrogance," remarked the Minister.
“We have now opted not to involve her, and it’s not due to a lack of funds,” he further explained.
He clarified that while the government could afford to pay, they chose not to engage her because of her unreasonable request. He also referenced actors like Fahadh Faasil and others who readily collaborate with the state government without financial demands.
Actor Sudhir Karamana, who attended the public event, supported the Minister's views, stating, "It was inappropriate for her to request payment, considering this is a government-supported initiative. I’m unsure who this actress is, but her demand casts a negative light."
Although Sivankutty did not disclose the actress's name, speculation has already commenced, with names such as Manju Warrier, Navya Nair, Ambili Devi, Kavya Madhavan, Divya Unni, and Vindhuja Menon being mentioned, as they had participated in school youth festivals as students.
As discussions swirl and debates unfold, the identity of the actress remains unverified.
The Kerala School Youth Festival, established in 1954, is hailed as the largest cultural event in Asia for students.
A record number of over 10,000 students from classes 8 to 12 take part and is typically held in November and December.
This year's event is scheduled to take place in the state capital city in January.
