Kochi, April 8 (IANS) The Kerala Film Chamber Thursday asked all film artistes, singers and technicians not to appear on television for doing shows from May 1.

The Chamber is the body of producers, distributors and exhibitors in the Malayalam film industry.

Addressing reporters here after a meeting of the Chamber, one of the office bearers said that a similar decision had been taken in 2002 but nothing happened.

"This time we will see that the order is obeyed. From May 1 all artistes, singers and technicians should not appear on programmes in televisions or other stage programmes. If they do that their films will not be screened," said the office bearers.

One reason why such a decision is going to be implemented sternly is that there has been a drop in theatre collections, which has affected the stake holders of the Chamber.

However, veteran singer M.G. Sreekumar dismissed the move as "ridiculous".

"This year I have sung just four film songs and all what I have earned is Rs.25,000. If they are so particular that this new rule has to be implemented then let them ensure that I get to sing songs in every film that is released," said Sreekumar.

The ban extends to reality shows, being judges on TV shows and such programmes. However they can appear on TV if it is meant to promote a film which they have acted in, the Chamber clarified.