Renowned South Indian actor Kasthuri Shankar, known for her roles in films such as Indian and Annamayya, was arrested in Hyderabad by Chennai police for making controversial remarks about the Telugu community. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, leading to legal action and significant public discourse.
Kasthuri Shankar Arrest and Legal Proceedings
As per PTI, Kasthuri was apprehended in Hyderabad’s Gachibowli area on Saturday after reportedly going into hiding. Her arrest followed the rejection of her anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court, which labeled her statements as bordering on hate speech.
Kasthuri’s remarks were made during a meeting of the Hindu Makkal Katchi on November 3, where she suggested that the Telugu community’s lineage in Tamil Nadu stemmed from courtesans who served kings. These comments triggered outrage, with many accusing the actor of disrespecting the Telugu heritage and inciting divisions.
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu co-in-charge, Dr. Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, condemned the remarks, stating they undermined the harmony among Tamil Nadu’s diverse communities and violated the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). "Such statements harm the cordial atmosphere we've worked hard to build," he said.
Kasthuri faced immediate backlash, including threats and widespread criticism. Political leaders, cultural advocates, and members of the Telugu-speaking community demanded an apology, asserting that her statements were not only offensive but also misleading.
Kasthuri’s Apology and Clarification
In response to the growing controversy, Kasthuri issued a public apology and attempted to clarify her remarks. In a statement shared on social media, she expressed regret, saying, “It was never my intention to hurt or offend my Telugu extended family. I am sorry for any ill feelings.” She added that her comments were contextually specific and not directed at the broader Telugu community.
Kasthuri also emphasized her deep ties to the Telugu community, acknowledging their role in her personal and professional growth. “Telugu people have given me a name, fame, love, and a family. I cherish my film career in Telugu cinema and admire the rich cultural history of the Telugu-speaking people,” she stated.
Despite her apology, Kasthuri’s remarks have reignited discussions on the responsibilities of public figures when addressing sensitive issues. The Madras High Court highlighted the importance of restraint and sensitivity in public discourse, especially when discussing topics that can incite division.
Kasthuri, who has been a prominent figure in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema since her debut in 1991, remains in custody as investigations proceed. The actor was most recently seen in the Telugu film Simbaa and the television show Seethe Ramudiki Katnam.
Kasthuri Shankar Arrest and Legal Proceedings
As per PTI, Kasthuri was apprehended in Hyderabad’s Gachibowli area on Saturday after reportedly going into hiding. Her arrest followed the rejection of her anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court, which labeled her statements as bordering on hate speech.
Kasthuri’s remarks were made during a meeting of the Hindu Makkal Katchi on November 3, where she suggested that the Telugu community’s lineage in Tamil Nadu stemmed from courtesans who served kings. These comments triggered outrage, with many accusing the actor of disrespecting the Telugu heritage and inciting divisions.
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu co-in-charge, Dr. Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, condemned the remarks, stating they undermined the harmony among Tamil Nadu’s diverse communities and violated the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). "Such statements harm the cordial atmosphere we've worked hard to build," he said.
Kasthuri faced immediate backlash, including threats and widespread criticism. Political leaders, cultural advocates, and members of the Telugu-speaking community demanded an apology, asserting that her statements were not only offensive but also misleading.
Kasthuri’s Apology and Clarification
In response to the growing controversy, Kasthuri issued a public apology and attempted to clarify her remarks. In a statement shared on social media, she expressed regret, saying, “It was never my intention to hurt or offend my Telugu extended family. I am sorry for any ill feelings.” She added that her comments were contextually specific and not directed at the broader Telugu community.
Kasthuri also emphasized her deep ties to the Telugu community, acknowledging their role in her personal and professional growth. “Telugu people have given me a name, fame, love, and a family. I cherish my film career in Telugu cinema and admire the rich cultural history of the Telugu-speaking people,” she stated.
Despite her apology, Kasthuri’s remarks have reignited discussions on the responsibilities of public figures when addressing sensitive issues. The Madras High Court highlighted the importance of restraint and sensitivity in public discourse, especially when discussing topics that can incite division.
Kasthuri, who has been a prominent figure in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema since her debut in 1991, remains in custody as investigations proceed. The actor was most recently seen in the Telugu film Simbaa and the television show Seethe Ramudiki Katnam.
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