HYDERABAD: Actor Manchu Vishnu on Thursday released his panel’s manifesto for the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) elections – something which looked like a political party manifesto during elections.
Vishnu also outlined what his priorities would be for the more than 900-member association if he wins as president of MAA for which elections would be held on October 10. “This manifesto also reflects ‘self-respect’ of Telugu film artistes,” he said.
Kalyana Lakshmi scheme, old age pensions, KG to PG education, health insurance, life insurance and women’s protection figure in the manifesto. Under Kalyana Lakshmi, Rs 1.16 lakh would be given to the family of MAA members at the time of the marriage of their children. The membership fee for MAA would be reduced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 75,000 for newcomers.
Vishnu said an app would be created with details of all the actors and access would be given to directors, producers, writers and production executives so that roles for actors could be facilitated. A ‘job committee’ would go to production houses, producers, OTT platforms and show the portfolio of artistes for a tie-up with them.
Vishnu reiterated that a building for MAA would be constructed with his own personal funds. “We will speak to the chief ministers and cinematography ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana about the needs of MAA,” he said.
Health insurance for all members will be paid for by the association itself and a tie-up will be entered into with corporate hospitals for special coverage and benefits to the families of movie artistes in Telangana and AP. A 24/7 helpline will be set up for women’s protection and a high-power committee will be constituted. “Single mothers and single women irrespective of age will also get financial support, if necessary,” he said.
In Mohan Babu Film Institute which would be set up, 50 per cent concession will be given to children of film artistes to pursue their interests in the 24 crafts of the film industry. “Such a concession will also be requested from other existing film institutes,” he said.
