Stars divided on flood relief

The absence of the Praja Rajyam chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi, and his kin at the meeting conducted by the Movie Artistes’ Association to discuss collecting funds for flood victims has set off a row in Tollywood.

Chiranjeevi, Pavan Kalyan, Nagababu, Allu Aravind, Allu Arjun and Ram Charan Teja were absent at the meeting, which was held on Tuesday.

Mohan Babu had reportedly said people will not excuse film heroes if they had deliberately kept away from the MAA meeting, which was organised to provide relief to flood victims.

Apart from Mohan Babu and Rajendra, Bala Krishna and Junior NTR participated in the meeting.

Chiranjeevi on Wednesday reacted sharply to the barbs saying that he has been participating in flood-relief works by touring districts like Krishna and Guntur.

“Akkineni and Krishna families have not participated in the MAA meeting. Does it mean absentees at the meeting are against helping flood victims?” he questioned.

Mohan Babu, who was in Tirupati, clarified that he had not named anyone while criticising the absentees. “Chiranjeevi need not make unnecessary allegations. He should learn how to behave like an MLA by watching my movie, Assembly Rowdy,” Mohan Babu retorted.

Chiranjeevi camp suspects that Bala Krishna, Junior NTR, Rajasekhar and Mohan Babu have joined hands to blemish the PR chief’s public image by highlighting his absence in the MAA meeting.

“Some stars are politicising Chiru’s absence to malign his image. People know who are really helping the flood victims,” said Mr Kattela Srinivas Yadav, convenor of PR Greater Hyderabad wing.

The MAA president, M. Murali Mohan, is upset with the verbal volley between the factions. He requested the stars to forget their differences and join hands to make “Star Night”, which is scheduled to be held on November 7 at Gacchibowli stadium to gather funds for flood-relief works.