Ahead of the release of his next flick 'Sarkar', top Tamil actor Vijay has said corruption has spread like a "virus" in the society and insisted if the leader at the top is honest, so will be his followers.
He also deplored that bribes were demanded for even issuing birth and death certificates.
"In a state, if those at the top level are honest, automatically everyone else will have fear (of action). Subjects follow the path of the king," he said, citing a proverb.
The actor, one of the highest paid in the Tamil film industry, however, said his references were "general" and not aimed at any individual or political party.
He was speaking at the audio launch of 'Sarkar' here on Tuesday.
When the anchor asked him what will be the first thing he would do if he were to become the chief minister, the actor said, "I will take steps for eradicating corruption."
The 44-year-old actor said people seemed to have become used to corruption. "Corruption has spread like a virus. I don't know if it is possible to wipe it out. It does not appear to be easy to end corruption...but it has to be eradicated."
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