Nearly five years after getting arrested and spending a few days in jail for alleged domestic violence against his estranged wife Vijayalakshmi, Kannada film actor Darshan’s marital life is on the rocks again.
Ms. Vijayalakshmi filed a petition in the Chennammanakere Achchukat police station on Wednesday accusing Mr. Darshan of harassing her.
In her petition, Ms. Vijayalakshmi complained that Mr. Darshan created a ruckus at her residence, and appealed to the police to direct the actor to mend his ways. The actor is accused of breaking the windscreen of an expensive car and assaulting the watchman of Ms. Vijayalakshmi’s apartment at Hosakerehalli.
Mr. Darshan has maintained that he had gone there to collect his own car.
Conspiracy theory
Attributing the present episode to a conspiracy by vested interests in Gandhinagar (the nerve centre of Kannada film industry in Bengaluru) Mr. Darshan, accused Ms. Vijayalakshmi of acting at the behest of some forces. Ms. Vijayalakshmi has refuted the allegation.
Veteran actor and Minister M.H. Ambareesh, who is considered as a trouble-shooter in the Kannada film industry and who played an important role in resolving the dispute between the couple on the earlier occasion, has assured the film industry of sorting out the problem this time also.
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Commission for Women has registered a suo motu case in this regard. Chairperson of the commission Manjula Manasa told reporters in Mangaluru on Thursday that the commission would mediate between Mr. Darshan and Ms. Vijayalakshmi.
In 2011, the domestic tussle between Mr. Darshan and Ms. Vijayalakshmi made it to the headlines when the actor was accused of assaulting his wife. A complaint in this regard by Ms. Vijayalakshmi resulted in Mr. Darshan’s arrest. Interestingly, the issue then took a curious twist when Kannada Film Producers’ Association turned its ire on model-turned-actor Nikita Thukral for “creating disharmony in Darshan’s family” and banned her for three years from films. The ban was, however, withdrawn after public outrage.
After reconciliation, Ms. Vijayalakshmi had then said that Mr. Darshan’s action was “in a fit of rage and momentary” and they had resolved and reconciled their differences. The couple apologised for their actions.
Quote Hanger
It is a conspiracy hatched by some vested interests in Gandhinagar against me. I don’t want to discuss some issues at this juncture.
Darshan, actor
In the interest of my son, I am living separately from Darshan. My intention is to create a healthy atmosphere for my son.
Vijayalakshmi, Darshan’s wife
I called Darshan. He was busy in sorting out the issue. I will definitely interfere in the matter.
M.H. Ambareesh, veteran actor and Housing Minister
Regardless of the celebrity status of the accused, the jurisdictional police have to initiate action in accordance with the law. I will decide the future course of action after the police give their report on March 11.
V.S. Ugrappa, chairperson, Committee on Prevention of Atrocities Against Women and Children
