Rajinikanth, Ajith and Vijay fans might have to find a new way of worshipping their favourite stars on the first day, first show of their film’s release soon. The Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers’ Employees Welfare Association (TNMDEW) has sought a ban on the practice of ‘paal abhishekam‘ (milk baths) that fans offer to cutouts of their favourite fans. The association alleged that fans often steal milk packets and containers without paying for them.
The complaint comes a day after actor Simbu put out a video on Twitter asking his fans to celebrate the first day, first show of his film, Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven (2019), with the now-familiar celebration. The celebration has almost become a tradition with die-hard fans, and stems from the tradition of offering deities milk baths in temples.
The Indian Express quoted the association president, S Ponnusamy, as saying, “It has become a menace now and the theft of milk packets is rampant. We have approached all top actors on whose cutouts this ritual is conducted. We tried to meet and sent requests in registered posts to Rajinikanth, Ajith, Vijay, and almost everyone. But none of them have done anything to resolve this.”
The association remarked that these thefts cause severe losses to traders, who are unable to recoup the money. The association has asked for a three-step plan from the police, beginning with a ban on the practice of ‘abhishekam‘, steps to prevent wastage of milk, and protection to milk delivery outlets early on the days of release.
Several of the stars like Ajith and Kamal Haasan have previously asked fans to refrain from wasting milk. Even Simbu had previously asked his fans to not indulge in the practice. However, the actor turned tables by stating that, “Since people tell me I have only one or two fans, I don’t think it is going to cause a huge loss if you do a ‘paal abhishekam‘.” It is not yet clear who the sarcastic tone was intended for.
The association has also demanded that the police act on the actor’s video as it might instigate his fans to go overboard.
Simbu’s Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven is set to release in theatres on 1 February.