Prakash Raj quits MAA

Actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj tendered resignation from the primary membership of the Movie Artist Association (MAA). He made his resignation announcement hours after he lost the election to Vishnu Manchu for the apex body's post. 

The 56-year-old actor stated that he faced resistance from the local members for being a non-Telugu and insists that he is feeling like an outsider and will remain that way.

"We witnessed record polling in the election and the members have elected a Telugu guy as the president. I think their wishes have been fulfilled. I understood that the elections were held in favour of regionalism. I have been a member of MAA for the last 21 years, but people are still treating me as a 'guest', an 'outsider'. I realised that a non-Telugu can cast his vote in the election but he cannot be in the poll fray. A BJP leader in his congratulatory message branded me as an anti-national. I have self-respect and I chose to remain as a 'guest'," says Prakash Raj.

The National-award-winning actor stated that his decision hasn't come in a jiffy. "The decision was not taken in a hurried manner or just that I lost the election.  I deeply value the association with those who supported me in all my endeavours. I also thank the Telugu audience for accepting me as I am," he adds.

Prakash Raj asserted that he has no plans to quit Telugu cinema and will continue pursuing work in Tollywood. "There are no restrictions on outsiders to not work in Telugu cinema. So I will continue my work in the Telugu film industry because I am a universal actor," he signs off.

Interestingly, actor Naga Babu, who rallied support to Prakash Raj in the election, has also resigned from the primary membership of MAA on Sunday.