Tamil Nadu scripted history when it elected an A-lister actor, C. Joseph Vijay, as the Chief Minister. The new Cabinet now has another actor in it, after actor-turned-politician A. Srinath, a close friend of Vijay and an MLA from Thoothukudi, was sworn in as a minister on Thursday.
Srinath won the Thoothukudi Assembly segment, defeating former DMK Minister P. Geetha Jeevan. He will handle the fisheries portfolio, according to local media reports.
Born and raised in Chennai, Srinath’s friendship with Vijay began when he joined Loyola College.
The 52-year-old started his film career with Vijay in Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992 and has worked as an assistant director to director Jeeva in a few films! He has directed films, including Mudra, released in 2009, and Vallavanukku Pullum Ayudham, released in 2014. He has also acted in Vijay's last film, Janyayan.
Srinath has also been an avid supporter of Vijay since the inception of his party. Once his candidature was announced, he campaigned vigorously against a giant opponent, Geeta Jeevan. He is also the first TVK MLA whose victory was first recorded.
Many see Srinath’s induction into the Cabinet as a move by Vijay to keep his confidants near. Srinath’s candidature in Thoothukudi, too, was also controversial after the party sidelined Ajitha Agnel, a TVK functionary in the region. Ajitha Agnel was reportedly upset that she blocked Vijay’s car and later staged a sit-in.
After taking the oath, Srinath told reporters: "We will see to it that the fishermen are safe and can do their job without any hindrance.”
He also recalled his close bond with Vijay. “I have learned a lot as a friend from my leader. Not only during my college days, but also during my journey in the film industry. Now I am learning a lot from him as a politician. I hope to follow his discipline, punctuality, honesty, and kindness.”