Bangalore:
After public criticism, film producers in Karnataka have reversed their three-year ban on actor Nikita Thukral, who was allegedly having an affair with superstar Darshan.
Earlier this week, in a move that outraged women's rights activists and many others, the Karnataka Film Producers' Association said Nikita would not be used in local films. Her alleged affair with Darshan was blamed for sparking problems in his marriage, that culminated with him pulling a gun on his wife, Vijayalakshmi. The Producers' Association, when asked, said it did not need to penalize Darshan because a legal case was handling complaints of domestic violence against him.
Darshan was arrested on Friday after Vijayalakshmi told the police that he had tortured and abused her. She later withdrew her complaint, but the police continues to investigate the charges against her husband, who has been moved to hospital after he complained of respiratory problems.
In a statement yesterday, Nikita said, "I am not somebody who wants publicity from injustice done to me, to me my family, friends and fans what they think about me really matters. Everybody knows that what happened is grave injustice to one and all actress by banning me for an act which I am not even aware or responsible for, I would not like to justify myself because the truth is apparent. I am really hurt by the entire situation and I would not like to comment any further. I thank at this point everyone that has stood by me especially my fans, artist, and my industry which has always been family to me thank you."