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CLUBS FOR A CAUSE Fans have a different focus these days

For decades, this was how the Boopathys of the world behaved when it came to displaying their love for their matinee idol.

Thankfully, the winds of change have managed to blow some purpose into their lives. Many fan associations now spearhead movements that are of some use to society. Over the years, a great dealhas been written about the good work done by the fans of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, especially their campaigns for blood donations. The Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust run by the actor, has an eye and a blood bank, supported to a large extent, by enthusiastic fans.

Something similar has been happening in the Tamil film industry.

Actor Ajit is a votary of a clean environment. Over the past three years, members of his 50,000-plus fan clubs have planted more than 5,000 saplings in and around Chennai, and even tend them, says R. Devendra, who looks after the All India Ajit Fans Welfare Association. How does the actor, whose career received a shot in the arm with the slick Billa, perceive this change?

“Today, fans are more aware, and thanks to the media, the spotlight is on their good activities. But, I think it would be disrespectful to treat the fans of yesteryear shabbily. Whatever they did was out of love for an actor,” he says.

Of late, he has been requesting his fans to raise trees on all important occasions. And they have complied.

“My fans have stood by me.. I am nothing without them. But, I have told them not to go overboard with any of their activities. My focus is tree planting because the environment needs to be saved. And, then, the population explosion. In their own small way, my fans try to create awareness about the ills of over population,” he says.

Channelling the energy and enthusiasm of fans in a positive direction is great, but at another level, how do stars react to all this adulation?

Ask Khushboo, who had a temple built in her honour, and an idli named after her, and she says: “I never had the time to react to such things. My fans know I am a very private person, and that I want them to focus more on their work.”

Another star with a heart is Madhavan, who has always been against fan clubs making a noise at the wrong time.

“If my fans want to spend money on milk, then I tell them to give it to an orphanage and not waste it by pouring it on posters,” says the actor, who has around 12,000 fan clubs in the State.

“I am very proud of my guys. They did some great work during the tsunami. But, I tell them that films are entertainment, and that they should be left at that.”

S. Ravikumar, Madhavan’s office manager, says the actor’s fans collect rice and other essentials for distribution, help needy kids with books and the like.

Actor Suriya is known for supporting worthwhile causes, such as and the DOTS campaign against uberculosis and people suffering from kidney ailments. Small wonder that his plans for his fans are big.

“Till now, they’ve been distributing uniforms and notebooks, and organising blood donation camps. From this year, I want them to focus on education. We plan to recruit teachers across the State to take tuitions for underprivileged kids, and help them with their homework,” he says.

As for the change in attitude among fans, he attributes it to their “growing maturity”.

My focus is tree planting because the environment needs to be saved. And, then, the population explosion

Ajith

I am very proud of my guys. They did some great work during the tsunami

Madhavan

From this year, we plan to recruit teachers to take tuitions for underprivileged kids

Surya

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