THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Ganesh Kumar, who is also the president of the Association of Television Media Artistes (ATMA), has come out criticizing Chalachitra Academy chairman Prem Kumar's statement that some of the TV serials in Malayalam were more harmful than endosulfan. Both Ganesh Kumar and ATMA demanded that Prem Kumar should withdraw his statement.
In its open letter to Prem Kumar, ATMA conveyed its strong protest against the endosulfan remark. The letter states that 'ATMA' condemns Prem Kumar's attitude of seeking publicity by making accusations through the media rather than constructively addressing the issue of TV serials. The letter also stated that television artists will not remain silent if they see a tendency that would disrupt their livelihood.
Prem Kumar made the endosulfan remark during a press conference in Kochi. "I am not saying all serials are alike and insulting them. I am someone who wants an artiste to have unrestricted freedom of expression. There is censorship in cinema, but not for television serials. There are practical problems with that. Those in the industry say that the scenes shot will be telecast on the same day. There is no time for censorship in that gap."
"However, television serials are reaching the family audience. Children who grow up in the habit of watching these scenes will think that this is life and this is what human relationships are. I share my concern about the generation that has such a vision. Those who do a work of art should have that responsibility," Prem Kumar said.