Actor Nassar has made remarks that are being widely interpreted as an indirect criticism of actor Vijay’s entry into politics, saying that merely being “popular” is not enough to start a political party or run a government.

“Now a party has been started on the premise that being a ‘celebrity’ alone is enough. What matters is the policy basis on which you plan to lead a country. Historical footprints must exist. Saying that you will form a government based on a list of films is unnecessary. If you sit by the seashore, you will see different kinds of waves. Some waves are pleasant, some try to pull you in. In today’s political climate too, many new waves are rising. But I see the current Chief Minister as a great rock that withstands all those waves,” Nassar said.

Tamil Nadu is expected to go to Assembly elections soon, and political parties have begun preparations. In this context, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s birthday celebration was held in Kolathur, Chennai.

Nassar attended the event as a special guest and spoke on the occasion. His remarks have drawn attention, with videos circulating on social media suggesting that the actor made an indirect attack on Vijay.

‘Not aligned with any party’

Speaking at the event, Nassar said: “Everyone knows that I am a common man. I am not aligned with any political party. I speak on behalf of the people, not on behalf of any party. Today is an election period. In a few weeks, we will be approaching a Legislative Assembly election.

A big question arises within me. We are in a situation where we must elect a government that will decide everything for the next five years — education, taxation, economic development and governance.”

Government that decides the future

“When we go to buy even a simple shirt or saree, we ask several questions — will the colour fade, is it original silk and so on. But when we are choosing a government that will determine the future of seven crore Tamils, what kind of questions should we ask?

Instead, we become emotional and take decisions based on what someone said or what another person said. We do not think deeply and ask questions.”

‘Being a celebrity alone’

“When such questions arise in my mind, whom should I support? There are parties, and there can be many parties. It is not necessary that only one party should exist.

But a party must have an ideology. The ideologies do not have to be identical.

But what is happening now is that a party has been started with the idea that ‘being a celebrity alone’ is enough. Listing schemes is not the same as ideology. Every party says it will build houses. That is only a scheme, not a policy.”

‘Running a government based on a list of films’

“What matters is the policy foundation on which you intend to lead a country. There must be historical footprints. Saying that you will run a government based on a list of films is unnecessary.

The Dravidian movement has a 75-year legacy. Behind it are countless sacrifices, acts of courage and historical milestones recorded in books. Merely listing films and saying ‘I will rule’ is not the need of the hour. What we need is a policy that can advance us in education and the economy.”

Praise for the Chief Minister

“We do not need divisions based on caste, religion or profession. An actor should be appreciated for his acting, a businessman should be respected for the quality of his product. But when it comes to governance, there must be a policy that embraces everyone beyond religion and caste.

Education, economy and self-respect — these three are the eyes of a society. If you search for where these are found, they converge at a single point.

If you sit by the seashore, you will see different kinds of waves. Some waves are pleasant, some try to pull you in. In today’s political situation, many new waves are blowing. But I see the current Chief Minister as a great rock that withstands all those waves.”

Indirect ‘attack’ on Vijay

“This is the moment when we must decide our own future. If we think without being emotional, we will understand that Tamil Nadu’s dawn lies in the ‘rising sun’. The lives of people like Nallakannu, who lived for society until the age of 100, should be celebrated. Artists who sow values and ideas through humour, in the path shown by Kalaivanar, also exist among us,” he said.

Through these remarks, Nassar is said to have indirectly criticised Vijay. The actor recently launched a political party in Tamil Nadu and is expected to contest in the upcoming election.

Many observers believe that Nassar’s comment that “a party has been started with the idea that being a celebrity alone is enough” was aimed at Vijay.