Published Aug 10, 2026 | 3:51 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2026 | 3:51 PM
Archana Kalpathi. (Facebook)
Synopsis: Film producer and AGS Entertainment CEO Archana Kalpathi Aghoram has been appointed to a seven-member Tamil Nadu committee overseeing the appointment of non-hereditary temple trustees under the HR&CE Department. She is the second film industry figure to receive a key appointment under the C Joseph Vijay government, after Jana Nayagan producer Venkat K Narayana was appointed the government’s Special Representative in New Delhi in June.
Film producer and AGS Entertainment CEO Archana Kalpathi Aghoram has been appointed a member of a newly constituted seven-member Tamil Nadu State-level Committee for streamlining the appointment of non-hereditary trustees to temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
Kalpathi, who served as creative producer of Vijay-starrers Bigil and GOAT, is also a non-executive director of Veranda Learning Solutions. She is the second film industry figure to receive a key appointment under the C Joseph Vijay government. Film producer Venkat K Narayana was appointed the Tamil Nadu government’s Special Representative in New Delhi for one year in June.
Vijay and Archana. (Credits: Archana Kalpathi / X)
Narayana is the producer of Vijay’s last film, Jana Nayagan. His appointment to the Delhi post drew criticism from opposition parties over his association with the Chief Minister.
The Vijay government has also faced criticism over appointments of people considered close to the Chief Minister.
In May, businessman Vishnu Reddy, a close associate of Vijay, was reported to have been selected as an adviser to the Chief Minister, with responsibilities relating to public affairs and the Chief Minister’s engagements.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s wife Sankgeetha Sornalingam withdraws divorce plea; court closes proceedings
Kalpathi’s appointment follows the constitution of a new State-level Committee to oversee the appointment of non-hereditary trustees to temples under the HR&CE Department with annual revenue of more than ₹10 lakh and frame guidelines governing the appointment process.
The previous State-level Committee’s tenure ended on 24 July.
The committee is headed by Sivagnana Balaya Swamigal of Pombapuram Aadheenam, Mailam. Dr K Ramanathan, a retired District and Sessions Judge, is the vice-chairperson.
The other members are Kalpathi, PR Sampath, IAS (Retd.), M Sumathi alias Sumathieezhi and Dr T Velmurugan. The Commissioner of the HR&CE Department is the ex-officio member-secretary.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
