Telugu film industry asks Mayawati to apologise

Hyderabad: Furious with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for her alleged derogatory comment about actors, Telugu film personalities Tuesday demanded that she apologise within 48 hours.
"She has insulted actors and should tender an apology within 48 hours," alleged veteran filmmaker L V Prasad, at a press conference here with other members of his fraternity.
Mayawati, at a public meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday, allegedly snubbed film actors planning to join politics. Though she did not name Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, who is planning to enter Andhra Pradesh politics, she said actors could "only sing and dance".
"Film actors don't do social service, but can only sing and dance," she said, making it clear that her BSP would not admit film actors into its fold.
Her comment came against the backdrop of reports that Chiranjeevi was planning a political party or joining hands with the BSP. His younger brother, actor Pavan Kalyan, had also reportedly met some state leaders of the BSP.
Chiranjeevi's fans are also angry with Mayawati. His fans' association, which is demanding an early decision by the actor, pointed out that he was already doing social service in terms of running blood banks and eye banks.