THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ∙ The finance department has issued an order to write off Rs 5.70 lakhs paid to the sculptor who made a mistake in making the half bronze statue of actor Murali, who was also the former chairman of Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
After making a sculpture that bore no resemblance to Murali, the contract was canceled and the sculptor was ordered to pay back the 5.70 lakh rupees he had paid in advance. However, the entire amount including tax was waived off with conditions when the sculptor said that he was not ready to repay the money. The loss is to be borne by the academy. The academy is functioning with the help of government funds.
Read also: ‘Modi will have to answer’: Controversial speech by US billionaire Soros
The contract for the statue of Murali was given at an estimated cost of Rs 5.70 lakh. It is alleged that the statue that was made had no resemblance to Murali. Many times the sculptor was given the opportunity to change the shape but failed. Subsequently, the Academy directed to stop the construction of the sculpture. Meanwhile Shilpa took the entire amount in advance. Though flawed, the statue was installed in the academy premises.
A letter was given to the sculptor to repay the amount. Shilpi replied that he had spent more than what was allowed and that he should be exempted from repayment as he had no other source of income. This was discussed by the executive committee of the academy which met last July and the request to write off the amount was forwarded to the government. The finance minister gave permission for this on the 9th of last month. Culture Minister Saji Cherian also approved and the finance department issued the order. Murali was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy at the time of his death.
Read also: ‘Arah Petti’ opened; Asna has a new lamb!
It is Murali in the play: Shilpi
The sculptor explained that the sculpture was made on the model of the character played by Murali in the play Lankalakshmi.
English Summary : Actor murali sculpture issue