During his prime years between 1930 and 1940 popular film producer and director, Mr K Subrahmanyam, came up with an idea to congregate artistes together. Hence in 1950, ‘South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, was founded, along with some senior cine artistes. This was the first step in bringing together actors with flourishing careers. It is worthy to mention that he was the head of the dance world, Padma Bhushan, Padma Subramaniam awardee, an excellence that deserve mention for his father.
Following this set up of keeping well being of actors in mind, Mr. T N Sivathanu and R M S.Somasunderam launched a similar association for the supporting cast of South Indian artistes in 1952.
Mr MG Ramachandran asked the secretary of the organization, “Can I get a membership in this organization?” The consequence of this question asked by this great man led to the birth of this magnanimous body called “South Indian Artistes Association which until today serves as the organization for musical theater actors, community theater actors, film actors and artists of all types, protecting them with better life and better work.
Mr MGR then not only joined as a member of South Indian Artistes Association in 1952, but also helped with all legal procedures to register the association.
South Indian Artistes Association, in short, served as actor’s union. In those days its office was located on Llyod’s road at AIADMK member MGR’s residence. MGR was such a philanthropist that he gave away a portion of his residence for the sake of the Association office between 1952 to 1954. Many artists became members of this august association.
As the association grew, the members realized they needed a bigger & permanent place for their office. They finalized a place in Habibullah road overseeing Gemini flyover. The registration of this 22 ground location required Rs 75,000. The association had a shortfall of Rs 40,000 and were seeking donation from artists. At this stage, MGR pitched in Rs 40,000 which was equivalent to his salary of 3 films. This sacrifice by our veteran hero has enabled the association reach this great level it is as of now.
Until 1972, SIAA, was running on a thatched building. AT this time, Mr Sivaji Ganesan took over as President of the association and realized that they needed a permanent solid structure to represent this august association. It was then unanimously decided to borrow Rs 22 Lakh from the bank and raise a permanent structure.
With inconsistent influx of funds for the association, SIAA found it difficult to repay the loan. At this juncture, MGR offered Rs 5 Lakh to pay off the loan. Such is his contribution to cinema and its people.
Get more information about development & progress of the association under Association News.
SIAA aims to unite its members, nurture relationships, develop fraternity amongst its members and live and work in harmony with each other.
SIAA aims at representing solidarity of all its actor members with the rest of the world.
SIAA aims to promote and develop the actors as well as the film industry
To raise standards of South Indian films to a global level at global level of operations.
Conduct meetings, discussions and research as objectives of association to improve standards of operation in the film industry.
Protecting the rights of all members of the association.
Exploring for a fair resolution of the problems of union members.
Details of all the members of the association is collected and surveyed by the office of SIAA only after obtaining permission from the SIAA committee & members for the sake of administration.
Seek cooperation of the interests of individuals and pave a path to success.
Association aims to fulfill the needs of the state and federal governments submission requests.
Cross-check the revenues and ensure that assets are used only to fulfill the purposes specified in the rules of the Association.
Executive board will have a term of three years duly chosen by election.
Support operas, plays, theater festivals, dance performances, concerts, art shows stage shows, etc
Objectives of the association are still on the path of construction.
Actors involve themselves in solving problems that could benefit every member of the association.
Supporting and promoting the upcoming artists.
Supporting veteran & old artists who are are no longer able to function independently
Promote drama artists and their art
Flourishing artists to help in educating a child.
Assistance for medical expenses of the underprivileged actors.
Marriage assistance for artists’ children – SIAA to waive off further financial assistance fee
Lend helping hand and support to struggling performers.
Offer assistance to theatre groups
Fostering the art of initiating theater festivals.
Free housing for ailing theater artists.
Making recommendations to the state and federal government for pension payments to artists applicable to that category
Nominate for the state and the federal government awards.
Association also recommends movies of upcoming directors & producers to National Film Development Corporation of India for benefits.
The association seeks to help out not only the members of the cinema fraternity but also the society and social issues.
The statue of NSK is garlanded every day in T. Nagar, Chennai
Vidya Ganapathi Temple is installed in the premises of the Association.
A memorial of Shankaradas Swamigal has been erected in Pondicherry. Every year on November 13th the film fraternity pays its respects to this memorial. Priests conducts prayers in several places.