AP to Be Developed as Film and Television Hub: Minister Kandula Durgesh

Amaravati, March 4:The coalition government aims to develop Andhra Pradesh into a major hub for the film and television industry, State Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh said on Wednesday.

A delegation from the Television Fraternity Forum met the Minister at his chamber in the Velagapudi Secretariat along with FDC Managing Director Viswanathan. The members briefed the Minister on issues faced by television artists and submitted proposals for the development of the industry.

Durgesh said the television industry has contributed significantly to the State’s economy and employment for artists over the past 45 years. He assured that the government would frame policies to provide the television sector recognition on par with the film industry.

Responding to requests from the delegation, the Minister said the government would positively examine the proposal to develop ‘TV Nagar’ with residential plots and studio facilities at the land allocated near Bheemili in Visakhapatnam district. He added that the government would extend full support for establishing studios in Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram and Tirupati.

The Minister also stated that pending TV Nandi Awards would be presented soon and that television artists would be given due recognition in the Ugadi awards. He said the proposal to institute awards in the names of late personalities Suman and Devadas Kanakala would also be considered.

Durgesh noted that members appreciated the government’s decision to offer concessions for film and television shoots at government properties, auditoriums and temple premises. He said the government would also consider extending concessions at tourism guest houses in the future.

He further assured the delegation that the proposal to recognise the Television Fraternity Forum as a liaison committee between the government and the television industry would be examined. The Minister said all the proposals would be brought to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for early implementation.

Members of the Television Fraternity Forum expressed happiness over the Minister’s positive response.

Among those present were producers and directors Sudhakar, Paladugu Viswanath, Dileep Raja, Ram Das Naidu and V.V. Niranjan, actors Balaji, Vijay Yadav and Meka Ramakrishna, and actresses Ragini, Roja Bharathi and Nagamani.