'Rejected movie roles to work full-time for academy, expected some dignity'; Prem Kumar responds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor and former chairman of the Chalachitra Academy, Prem Kumar, said he was ideologically aligned with the Communist Party for the last 35 years despite not being a party member. Prem Kumar said that it was late leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who asked him to take over the post of vice chairman after reading a few articles he wrote on the farmers' strike and fuel price hike.

It was when former chairman Ranjith exited the post that Prem Kumar got the opportunity to assume charge as Chairman of the Chalachitra Academy.

"The honorarium I received at that time was ten thousand rupees. I even denied movie roles to work full-time for the academy. There should have been dignity when removing me from a work that I did with utmost dedication,” said Prem Kumar.

The other day, Prem Kumar had alleged a double standard in the government not taking punitive action against Sahitya Akademi President K. Satchidandan for the latter's rebellious statements. Prem Kumar said that he was removed without any notice during the preparations for the film festival and the film awards.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Saji Cherian responded to the issue. “The new committee was selected as a natural procedure after the term of the Academy Governing Body expired. Resul Pookutty, the pride of the Indian film world, took over as the next chairman. Prem Kumar also appreciated and accepted this appointment. Replacing a committee that has expired is just an administrative process.”