Indian actress banned for alleged 'affair'
Indian actress Nikhita Thukral has been banned from appearing in Kannada language films for three years over an alleged affair with another actor.
The Kannada Film Producers' Association imposed the ban on Ms Thukral saying she had spoiled the "domestic harmony of a fellow actor".
She denies having an affair with the actor, known as Darshan, a popular action hero in southern India. Ms Thukral, from the state of Punjab, said the ban is "ridiculous". She says that nobody ever consulted her to get her version of events.
The move comes after Darshan was arrested on charges of domestic violence three days ago, following a complaint from his wife, Vijaylakshmi.
She alleged that he had beaten her and threatened her with a gun but she later withdrew the complaint, a police official told the BBC. The argument was reportedly over the alleged affair with Ms Thukral.
After his arrest, hundreds of Darshan's fans held protests in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state, forcing police to use canes to disperse stone-throwing groups.
The Kannada Film Producers' Association says that Ms Thukral has created trouble in Darshan's domestic life.
"If Nikhita [Thukral] apologises for her behaviour and says she will just work in films and not get involved in domestic affairs of fellow actors, we will withdraw the ban," association president Munirathnam told the BBC.
He said it was the first time such a ban had been imposed on an actress adding that "it is a lesson for others".
Ms Thukral, who has acted in several Telugu, Tamil and Kannada language films, has consistently denied any romantic links with Darshan.
"There's nothing between us beyond a professional relationship. If Darshan has a problem with his wife, how am I responsible," she asked?
The association said the actress was free to challenge the ban in a court.
Correspondents say that within the film industry, there is opposition to the ban with some members calling it "unprofessional".
SOURCE: BBC.co.uk
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And I wanted to include this second article as well, which has an interview with Ms Thukral...
***
Actress Nikita Thukral is recovering from shock, low blood pressure and stress. But she vows to fight it out. "I'm not going to keep quiet. I'll ask questions. Hope I get justice," Nikita told TOI on Tuesday.
Nikita, currently in Mumbai with her family, spoke to TOI about the KFCC ban, its impact and her plans.
* What's your response to the ban?
What are the grounds for the ban? They haven't bothered to give any justification for it. They haven't even sent a message or responded to my message. This is rude. I have been made a 'bali ka bakra'.
* What did you feel when you heard it?
I was shocked. I couldn't eat or sleep on Sunday. Due to stress and dehydration, my blood pressure dropped. I went to my doctor this (Monday) morning. Even now (late night), I'm feeling very drowsy.
* What was the response of industry people?
Producer Sandesh Nagaraj and many artistes called me and extended their support. The media are helping me a lot. Initially, I thought I was alone, but now I'm happy about the support. I hope I get justice.
* What's your next move?
I'm coming to Bangalore on Wednesday or Thursday. I've worked in the industry for nine years and earned respect with great efforts. People can't take away all this from me at one shot. Cinema is my bread and butter. I'm going to fight it out. I'll ask my questions. If the association office-bearers wants to meet me one-on-one, it's fine. Else, I'm ready for a discussion with them before the media.
* What impact would it have on your family and future?
I lost my father recently. We're in a traumatic condition. What do I tell my mother and family? What impact does it have on them? I have to get married. This episode has caused huge mental stress.
* After all this, if offered a role in Kannada cinema, would you work?
Of course, with a lot of respect. I know my values.
SOURCE: The Times of India
This is awful. First the ban itself, and then when you read more about the case, and the domestic violence, which they're basically blaming her for causing... Here's hoping she manages to still find work. :(
The Kannada Film Producers' Association imposed the ban on Ms Thukral saying she had spoiled the "domestic harmony of a fellow actor".
She denies having an affair with the actor, known as Darshan, a popular action hero in southern India. Ms Thukral, from the state of Punjab, said the ban is "ridiculous". She says that nobody ever consulted her to get her version of events.
The move comes after Darshan was arrested on charges of domestic violence three days ago, following a complaint from his wife, Vijaylakshmi.
She alleged that he had beaten her and threatened her with a gun but she later withdrew the complaint, a police official told the BBC. The argument was reportedly over the alleged affair with Ms Thukral.
After his arrest, hundreds of Darshan's fans held protests in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state, forcing police to use canes to disperse stone-throwing groups.
The Kannada Film Producers' Association says that Ms Thukral has created trouble in Darshan's domestic life.
"If Nikhita [Thukral] apologises for her behaviour and says she will just work in films and not get involved in domestic affairs of fellow actors, we will withdraw the ban," association president Munirathnam told the BBC.
He said it was the first time such a ban had been imposed on an actress adding that "it is a lesson for others".
Ms Thukral, who has acted in several Telugu, Tamil and Kannada language films, has consistently denied any romantic links with Darshan.
"There's nothing between us beyond a professional relationship. If Darshan has a problem with his wife, how am I responsible," she asked?
The association said the actress was free to challenge the ban in a court.
Correspondents say that within the film industry, there is opposition to the ban with some members calling it "unprofessional".
SOURCE: BBC.co.uk
***
And I wanted to include this second article as well, which has an interview with Ms Thukral...
***
Actress Nikita Thukral is recovering from shock, low blood pressure and stress. But she vows to fight it out. "I'm not going to keep quiet. I'll ask questions. Hope I get justice," Nikita told TOI on Tuesday.
Nikita, currently in Mumbai with her family, spoke to TOI about the KFCC ban, its impact and her plans.
* What's your response to the ban?
What are the grounds for the ban? They haven't bothered to give any justification for it. They haven't even sent a message or responded to my message. This is rude. I have been made a 'bali ka bakra'.
* What did you feel when you heard it?
I was shocked. I couldn't eat or sleep on Sunday. Due to stress and dehydration, my blood pressure dropped. I went to my doctor this (Monday) morning. Even now (late night), I'm feeling very drowsy.
* What was the response of industry people?
Producer Sandesh Nagaraj and many artistes called me and extended their support. The media are helping me a lot. Initially, I thought I was alone, but now I'm happy about the support. I hope I get justice.
* What's your next move?
I'm coming to Bangalore on Wednesday or Thursday. I've worked in the industry for nine years and earned respect with great efforts. People can't take away all this from me at one shot. Cinema is my bread and butter. I'm going to fight it out. I'll ask my questions. If the association office-bearers wants to meet me one-on-one, it's fine. Else, I'm ready for a discussion with them before the media.
* What impact would it have on your family and future?
I lost my father recently. We're in a traumatic condition. What do I tell my mother and family? What impact does it have on them? I have to get married. This episode has caused huge mental stress.
* After all this, if offered a role in Kannada cinema, would you work?
Of course, with a lot of respect. I know my values.
SOURCE: The Times of India
This is awful. First the ban itself, and then when you read more about the case, and the domestic violence, which they're basically blaming her for causing... Here's hoping she manages to still find work. :(