The Nadigar Sangam elections in 2019 stirred up significant controversy in the Tamil film industry, with heated exchanges between actors and key members of the association. One of the most publicized clashes was between actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and actor Vishal, who was contesting for the post of General Secretary.
The actress took to social media to express her strong disapproval of Vishal’s campaign tactics, particularly targeting her father, Sarath Kumar, in election-related propaganda.
The Spark: Vishal’s Allegations Against Sarath Kumar
Vishal, who was leading the Pandavar Ani group, had released a campaign video in which he indirectly criticized Sarath Kumar and Radha Ravi. Though the video did not explicitly name them, it featured clips of the two actors while a voice-over spoke about how past office-bearers had allegedly mismanaged Nadigar Sangam’s resources. The video further stated that during their tenure, basic facilities like pensions and insurance were neglected, leaving supporting actors and theatre artists struggling.
This video did not sit well with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who took to Twitter to lash out at Vishal, calling him out for dragging her father into the election drama despite the fact that he was not even contesting in this election.
Varalaxmi’s Strong Response on Twitter
In a scathing Twitter post, Varalaxmi had then accused Vishal of being a ‘hypocrite’ and slammed him for using cheap tactics. She expressed her disappointment and anger in a long, open letter addressing Vishal directly:
“Dear @VishalKOfficial, you have lost my vote. #NadigarSangamElections2019. I am saddened and shocked at how low you have stooped in your election campaign video. Any respect I had left for you is now gone.”
She also criticized him for continuously harping on her father’s past without providing any solid proof to support his allegations.
“It’s so sad to see you harp on my father’s past, especially when you have NOT been able to prove squat. Since you keep saying the law is the highest, then according to that same law, any person is innocent until proven guilty. If he was guilty, he would have been sentenced by now.”
Her frustration with Vishal’s campaign strategy was evident in her message, where she accused him of double standards and deceit.
“So have some class and grow up. When you make such cheap videos, it shows your class. I can’t blame you, I guess, because that’s the way you have been brought up. Let’s not behave like you are a saint. We all know your double standards and lies.”
A Fallout Between Friends?
Vishal and Varalaxmi had long been rumored to have a close friendship, with some speculation that they were even romantically involved at one point. However, both had maintained that they were just good friends. This public fallout raised eyebrows, as Varalaxmi made it clear that her respect for Vishal was gone due to his actions.
She also pointed out that members from Vishal’s own group, Pandavar Ani, had broken away and created another faction, suggesting that his leadership was not as unchallenged as he claimed.
“If you were such a saint, I don’t think people from your so-called Pandavar Ani would have left and created a group just to bring you down.”
Varalaxmi’s final words in her letter made it clear that she no longer supported Vishal’s political ambitions and was thoroughly disappointed in him.
“If you are so proud of what you have done, why don’t you showcase that instead of bringing down my dad when he’s not even involved this time? So many people can’t be wrong about you. All this time, I respected you and have been there for you as a friend. Now you have taken it too far. It’s so sad that instead of making a positive video about your achievements, you resorted to the lowest form of campaigning.”
Her closing remark was particularly cutting:
“Well, I guess you are a true actor—at least off-screen after all. Like you say, I really hope the truth prevails. Well, you just lost my vote. God bless.”
The Aftermath
Varalaxmi’s outburst sparked widespread discussion within the Tamil film industry and on social media. Many fans took sides, with some supporting her stance and others defending Vishal, stating that he was only highlighting past mismanagement issues. However, Vishal himself did not directly respond to her accusations in public.
The Nadigar Sangam elections continued to be a highly charged and controversial event, with alliances shifting and bitter rivalries forming. This public spat between Vishal and Varalaxmi added another layer of drama, proving that Tamil cinema politics is as intense as its on-screen narratives.
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