Money for Indian artistes can be better spent on our own

A recent article in a news portal stated that a cricket tournament featuring South Indian movie stars is scheduled to be held here on Jan 6, to raise funds for the South Indian Film Artistes Association (Nadigar Sangam) building being constructed at T Nagar in Chennai, India.

I find it very surprising that these renowned movie stars, who command millions in acting fees per movie, have come seeking help from Malaysians, and the local Tamil community in particular, for them to build their very own artiste association building in India.

It does not make any sense why we should fund these multi-millionaires to benefit an artiste association in India, when they can in fact use their own vast sums of money. Most of the movie stars participating in the tournament are easily worth at least tens or hundreds of million rupees.

Frankly speaking, Malaysia has been one of the top-three revenue-generating countries for all south Indian movies, meaning that producers and artistes are bringing in millions from the money we spend here.

Furthermore, our “assistance” is a one-way street. What have they done to give back to our own Indian actors, actresses, singers, production crews, etc.? In the seven or so decades of supporting and giving access to south Indian artistes, movies and music, how much support and access to the Indian market have they given Malaysian Indian talent in turn?

The answer is negligible, especially when considering the additional funding and tax breaks they may get from various Malaysian governmental agencies when coming here. What they provide in return to our Indian talent for our generosity is indeed pitiful.

The time has come for us to stop this nonsense of supporting south Indian projects if our local talent receives no substantial benefit from it.

I am not asking for a boycott of movies or music from India. What I am saying is that it is our responsibility to develop the local Indian music and movie industries, so that we can be on par with the best in the world – perhaps one day generating as much revenue as south Indian movies do in Malaysia.

Currently, most local Indian artistes are struggling to make a living in the local movie and music industry. This is not because their output is of low quality; in fact, they do exceptionally well with the limited budgets they have to work with. Rather, they are struggling because the opportunities are not there for them to showcase their talent.

This is one area that can be improved by all stakeholders, be it the local Indian community, including the government, NGOs, cinema operators, production houses, etc.

We are making funds available to empower our community in sectors like agriculture, sports, food and other industries. But the movie industry can also be a big income earner for our Indian talent if enough support, encouragement and funds are made available.

The limited revenue generated locally barely manages to support a population of at least 10,000 Malaysian Indian artistes. But with the development of the Malaysian Indian movie industry, as well as that of supporting industries and services, both direct and indirect, local artistes stand to benefit in terms of stable employment.

Excluding Malaysia and India, there are about 36 countries with sizeable Tamil communities – the very same markets targeted by the Tamil movie industry from India. If given the opportunity, along with some encouragement and support, these markets can open up for our local Indian talent as well.

It is high time that the south Indian movie industry reciprocates what we have done for them all these years. For access to our market, we must impose certain conditions, such as helping to provide access to the Indian movie market, especially in Tamil Nadu.

This will not only give local Indian talent the opportunity to flourish, but also to develop themselves and the Malaysian Indian movie industry as a whole, which may one day result in international recognition.

Taking all the above into consideration, I would like to call upon the organiser of the cricket tournament to cancel the event, as it does not bring any benefit to Malaysian Indian artistes.

The millions spent on this event to fly in these so-called megastars – with fully paid accommodation, bodyguards, food, etc. – could be better used to develop the Malaysian Indian entertainment industry, by funding new projects, publicising existing works, and exporting our entertainment products overseas to boost the profile of our local talent.

I have decided to write to the Tourism as well as the Youth and Sports Ministries to reconsider holding the event, or better yet cancel it, as it will be a waste of public funds.

My message to Tamil Film Producers Council chairperson Vishal is that the generous contributions of Malaysian Indians in the last seven decades towards the growth of the Tamil movie industry should not be discounted. I hope that during your tenure as council chair, you will see fit to assist in opening up the Indian market to Malaysian talent.

You will not only gain a lot of respect for doing this, but will be remembered by future generations.

Why can’t you open your doors to Malaysian Indian talent, when the Tamil movie industry can open its doors to those as far away as the UK?

And to Malaysian Indian artistes, you must come together as one. Recognition for your talent can only be achieved when you unite. I will also do my utmost to help, championing your cause both with our government and with stakeholders overseas.

Remember that nothing is impossible. You will be setting a foundation not only for yourselves, but also for future generations of Malaysian Indian artistes. Let us stand united and move forward for the betterment of the local Indian movie and music industry.

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S VELL PAARI is the treasurer-general of MIC.- Mkini