Several actors and technicians from the Kannada film industry condemned the act and extended their solidarity through social media.
Published Dec 19, 2022 | 8:15 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 19, 2022 | 8:15 PM
A slipper was hurled at Kannada actor Darshan, on 18 December, while he was promoting his film 'Kranti' in Hosapete, (NimmaPreethiyaDasaDarshan/Facebook)
Ever since Kannada actor Darshan, son of veteran actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas, got miffed with the Kannada media over his alleged remarks against the latter, he has been making headlines, and mostly for all the wrong reasons.
Recently, he faced backlash from a section of society following his remarks against the Adrushta Devathe (Goddess of Luck).
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the actor who was in Hosapete of Vijayanagara district promoting his upcoming venture Kranti was targeted with a slipper by someone in the crowd.
As the event was caught on camera, Darshan remained calm and urged his fans to remain calm, saying that it was no one’s fault.
He immediately left the gathering under police protection. He was there for the release of a song from the movie Kranti.
While the actual reason and the details of the person who hurled the slipper at the actor are not yet known, it is believed to be a mischievous act by someone present in the crowd.
On the other hand, it is an open secret that die-hard fans of various star Kannada actors are often at loggerheads over claiming the supremacy of who is the “actual boss” of the Kannada film industry.
Though time and again actors themselves discouraged such fans from engaging in such debates — often punctuated by abusive language — on social media platforms or in real life, it remains a matter of concern.
Soon after the Sunday incident, actors, technicians, and the administrative wing of Sandalwood condemned the act.
Actor Shivarajkumar, in a video message, appealed to the fans, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the incident. I strongly believe in what our legendary actor and my father Dr Rajkumar taught us all.”
He added: “We are all one. If an artist is insulted, then it is an insult to everyone in the industry. Such incidents should never happen. I appeal to the fans to never repeat such acts.”
Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president Ba Ma Harish said that it was a black mark in the history of the Kannada film Industry.
“I’m shocked and deeply pained at the incident which should not have occurred in the first place. Fans should never cross the line and must respect the art and the artists. We should live and let live in the industry as one,” he said.
Similarly, his fans ran hashtag campaigns on social media like #westandwithdarshan and #westandwithDBoss, to express their solidarity with the actor.
Recently, during one of the interviews for a YouTube channel, Darshan expressed his views on the goddess of luck/wealth, which was strongly objected to by a section of society.
A few die-hard fans justified his statement by saying that the remarks were being “taken out of context and blown out of proportion”.
However, many people criticised the actor, saying the remarks were sexist in nature.
After an audio clip surfaced on social media, with Darshan allegedly using unparliamentary words against the news media, the latter maintained a distance from the actor.
The scenario led to an unofficial ban on the actor by the news media in Karnataka.
Since then, a majority of the leading news media — both print and electronic — stayed away from promoting any news about his film ventures.
Kranti, which is scheduled for release on 26 January, is directed by music composer-director V Harikrishna. It is said to focus on the corrupt educational system.
