Ban on Kannada actor Nikita lifted

Bangalore: Coming under attack from the state film industry, the Kannada Film Producers Association today lifted its three-year-old ban on multi-lingual actress Nikita Thukral, saying its action against her was “foolish”.

The Association also tendered an apology to the actress, admitting that the decision was taken in “haste”, four days after it slapped the ban, holding Nikitha responsible for the matrimonial discord in the family of popular actor Darshan and his wife Vijayalakshmi.

Speaking to reporters, Association President Muniratna Naidu said, “We admit that it was a hasty decision. Actress Nikitha has a blemish less record and is of a good character.

She is free to go anywhere in Karnataka and act in Kannada films. We have decided against resorting to ban on actors hereafter”.

“I think, we erred in our decision,” he added, as the Association’s move to retract its step came after several prominent personalities in the Kannada film industry including Parvathamma, wife of late thespian Rajkumar, and her actor-son Shivarajkumar, opposed the ban.

Nikitha had denied being responsible for the marital discord in Darshan’s family after his wife raised allegations linking her husband with her.

Darshan was arrested on 9 September for allegedly assaulting and threatening his wife who had lodged a complaint against him.

The actor, now in judicial custody, is currently undergoing treatment for asthma and jaundice in a hospital.

PTI