Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has joined a hunger strike, led by a cross section of artists from the Tamil film and television industry. Moreover, it seems that actors, directors, producers, distributors, technicians and theatre owners will also take part in the strike.

Supporting the cause Rajinikanth commented,"If there's a tough law to book tax defaulters so much of money could be mobilized. In fact, superstars like Vijay, Sarathkumar, Radhika and Suhasini also joined the day-long protest. The reason being that they want artists, directors and choreographers to be exempt from paying service tax. The cess of 12.36 per cent, they argue, should not apply because the service tax on the entertainment industry was partly lifted a few years ago exempting producers, exhibitors and distributors and now the industry wants this to be extended to artists, directors and choreographers too.

Mr Sarathkumar, who is the president of the actors association told that "the industry has thousands of smaller artists besides leading stars. Not all get offers throughout the year and they are overburdened. Unlike other industries we can't even pass it on to consumers as theatre collection comes under state government".

Actors, directors, producers, distributors, technicians and theatre owners are also taking active part in the strike.

For more updates await and see what happens next!

(AW:Samrat Biswas)