Kannada Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s Arrest in Murder Case Shocks Industry
The arrest of popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, along with 12 others, in connection with the murder of Renuka Swamy has sent shockwaves across Karnataka’s film fraternity. Swamy, aged 33, was found dead in a drain in Bengaluru, allegedly after making inappropriate comments about Darshan’s girlfriend, Pavithra Gowda, on social media.
Darshan’s colleague and co-actor, Sanjjanaa Galrani, expressed her deep dismay at the arrest, describing it as “doomsday” for the Kannada film industry. “This has been a black day for us yesterday, and it’s been like a doomsday for the Kannada industry,” she told NDTV, referring to Darshan as a “demigod figure in the Kannada industry.” She elaborated on his immense popularity, stating, “People don’t just watch his films, people are out here worshipping him, he is as big as that.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Ms. Galrani asserted that Darshan is known for his respectful and gentle nature. She shared personal anecdotes, noting, “He would not even call me by my name while shooting. He would refer to me as ‘ji suniye’ and ‘amma,’ that is how he represents a woman.” She emphasized his respectful demeanor, describing him as a “soft-spoken gentleman.” Galrani recalled an instance during a film shoot where Darshan discussed a scene involving physical contact, underscoring his considerate approach: “There was a scene in the movie where he had to lift me, so he discussed it with me. He has a very beautiful aura around him – the way he talks and respects women.”
Ms. Galrani expressed her shock upon hearing the allegations against Darshan. “It has completely shocked the guts out of every person in Karnataka,” she said. Addressing questions about Darshan’s “temperamental nature” and past controversies, she defended her former co-actor, stating, “The person being spoken about in the news and the person that I know feel like two different personalities.” Stressing the importance of due legal process, she cautioned against rushing to judgment, “It’s very early to jump the gun,” she remarked. “When something like this happens with a celebrity, if there is a 5% allegation, it becomes a 500% allegation,” she added, underscoring the need to respect the legal process.
The victim’s mother has demanded severe consequences for Darshan, calling for his banishment from the film industry and the halting of his films’ releases in Karnataka.
Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright
