'Let us end controversy' ; Minister Sivankutty withdraws statement against actress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Barely 10 hours after his veiled criticism of a prominent actress, Minister Sivankutty withdrew the statement minding the controversy over the topic. The minister in his earlier statement didn’t disclose the identity of the actress which led to netizens pointing fingers at random actresses in the industry. Rumours started flooding on social media which even made one prominent actress clear the air. To avoid unnecessary discussions and controversies in connection with the school festival, the minister decided to withdraw his earlier statements. The minister stated this in a press conference regarding the release of the logo of the school arts festival.

“My statement in the morning paved the way for people wrongly judging many actresses. It is unwanted and the ‘guess game’ should end. Minding the happenings, I am retracting my statement. We should end the controversy now.

Celebrities are brought on the stage of school festivals to promote talent. Mammootty, Asha Sharath, Kumari Nikhila Vimal and others participated in the Kollam school festival. Asha Sharath choreographed the inaugural dance performance. Fahadh Faasil, Dulquer Salmaan and others participated in the opening ceremony of the Onam festival without taking payment.

The celebrities who arrive at the school festival venues take part without taking any remuneration.

The reference to the actress was made while attending the prize distribution of the state drama competition in Venjaramoodu. Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sudhir Karamana and artist Sujathan were there. The actress asked my press secretary for five lakh rupees when requested to perform a seven-minute long dance in a school festival, which was to be attended by 14,000 children. I never thought it would make such a big discussion. There should be no more controversies that will affect the euphoric spirits of children. Let us leave this here.”