The Karnataka Film Producers' Association (KFPA), which has banned actor Nikhita Tukral for three years, defended its action on Monday by blaming her for the discord in Darshan's marriage.
Nikhita can complete Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna , where she is paired with Darshan, Cottonpet with Aditya and Priyasakhi with Ramesh Aravind. It is curtains for her after that.
One of the few dissenting voices is that of Sandesh Nagaraj, a prominent producer and member of the Legislative Assembly, who condemned the ban.
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However, KFPA president Munirathna has gone to the extent of saying producers' associations in other States should emulate the Kannada film industry on how to protect their interests. He asserted there was no need to initiate action against Darshan as he actor is already facing the repercussions of his act. “It is a sensitive issue, to be viewed from the angle of investment made in the actor,” he added.
Significantly, the Karnataka Film Artistes Association is not prepared to take up the case of Nikhita Tukral, as according to its secretary Rockline Venkatesh, “she is not a member”.
Actor Jaimala, former president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), sought to know what action had been taken against Darshan. “An actor should have social and moral responsibility, besides becoming a role model for fans.”
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Actor-producer Priya Hassan condemned the ban saying it was making Nikhita the scapegoat.
Actor Srinivasa Murthy described it as “arbitrary and uncalled for”. “Was any producer banned for not paying an artiste or for a bounced cheque?”