Rajnikanth supports Hazare's movement

Chennai, Aug 23 (IANS) Superstar Rajnikanth Tuesday extended support to social activist Anna Hazare's India Against Corruption (IAC) movement and said corruption is a disease which needs to be uprooted from the Indian society.

'There can be no doubt that corruption is a dreaded disease that needs to be weeded out from the Indian society. I am very happy that we have a very able and dedicated leader in Anna Hazare to lead us in this fight against corruption. I whole-heartedly support the India Against Corruption Movement in their campaign to get Jan Lokpal bill legislated in parliament,' Rajnikanth said in a statement to IAC.

'I congratulate all the Indians who have lent their support to this bloodless revolution. This kind of peaceful movement is possible only in India which is the birthplace of satyagraha. I am very proud to be an Indian,' he added.

IAC has welcomed Rajnikanth's support, with a statement: 'This support should go a long way in creating an awareness among the public on Anna Hazare, Jan Lokpal bill and India Against Corruption.'

Tamil film artists, directors, producers and technicians from associations like Tamil Film Producers Council, Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), and South Indian Artists Association, went on a one-day token fast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to support Hazare in his fight for the implementation of the Lokpal bill.

Film Federation of India (FFI) president L. Suresh had called for the support of the Tamil film industry through media.

However, Rajnikanth's fans expressed that he should express his support through a statement, rather than by fasting to avoid his health from deteriorating.

In May, the 60-year-old underwent treatment in a Singapore hospital and is taking medicines regularly to keep himself in good form, said sources close to his family.