'Using crowds to prove influence'; actor Ajith indirectly criticises Vijay over Karur tragedy

CHENNAI: Actor Ajith has partly criticised TVK president Vijay over the Karur tragedy, saying that everyone who encourages massive crowds shares responsibility for such incidents. In an interview, Ajith said that the tendency to exploit large crowds must stop. Police and government officials had earlier stated that Vijay’s late arrival at the Karur rally, meant to attract more people, had worsened the situation.

“I am not saying this to blame anyone personally. But after the Karur tragedy, many things are happening in Tamil Nadu. That individual (Vijay) alone is not responsible. We all share the blame. The media also has a role in this. The practice of glorifying and promoting huge crowds should end. Society has started using crowds to show influence and power, and this culture of excessive crowd promotion must stop,” Ajith said.

“Actors naturally want the love of their fans. We work hard in films, shoot through nights, and stay away from our families- all for the love and affection of the audience. But why do such tragedies happen only at events involving film stars? Look at cricket matches- large crowds gather there too, but such incidents don’t occur. These events create a bad image for the entire film industry. None of us wants that,” Ajith added.