“Such statements harm the cordial atmosphere"
South Indian actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Kasthuri Shankar was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly making anti-Telugu remarks.
The controversy began during a meeting of the Hindu Makkal Katchi on November 3, 2024.
Kasthuri suggested that the Telugu community’s lineage in Tamil Nadu stemmed from courtesans who served kings.
She said: “The Telugu-speaking community came as assistants to the king’s consort and later adopted a Tamil identity.”
Kasthuri’s comments sparked backlash, with many accusing her of disrespecting Telugu heritage and inciting divisions among communities.
This remark led to outrage and demands for an apology from political leaders, cultural advocates, and members of the Telugu-speaking community.
Dr Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu co-in-charge, condemned her comments.
He claimed they undermined the harmony among Tamil Nadu’s diverse communities and violated the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
Dr Reddy remarked: “Such statements harm the cordial atmosphere we’ve worked hard to build.”
In the wake of the controversy, Kasthuri issued an apology, expressing regret for any offence caused.
She wrote: “It was never my intention to hurt or offend my Telugu extended family.”
The actress emphasised her close ties to the Telugu community, acknowledging their role in her personal and professional growth.
She added: “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.”
Despite her apology, legal action was taken.
The Tamil Nadu Police filed multiple cases under various sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across several cities, including Chennai and Madurai.
Following these developments, Kasthuri reportedly went into hiding, switching off her phone and locking her home.
Kasthuri filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail, but her request was denied by the Madurai bench.
After further attempts for bail were rejected, she was apprehended by Tamil Nadu police in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, and subsequently transferred to Chennai.
After her arrest, she was produced in court on November 17, which ordered her 12-day remand until November 29, 2024.
Kasthuri was then transferred to Puzhal Jail in Chennai.
Kasthuri Shankar is known for her work across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.
She was last seen in the Telugu film Simbaa and the television show Seethe Ramudiki Katnam.
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