A three year ban that the Kannada film Producers' Association had imposed on actress
Nikitha has been revoked.
Addressing a press conference, president of the association, Munirathna admitted that the decision was not only "hasty" but also "foolish". Terming the ban a mistake, in a letter addressed to the actress, he regretted having defamed such a "cultured" and "talented" actress.
In response to the withdrawal of the ban , Nikitha said, "I am grateful to the media and industry colleagues for standing by me. I particularly wish to thank Ms Parvatamma Rajkumar for her support. I knew truth would prevail at the end. I heard Munirathna has apologised on camera. I enjoy being a part of Kannada industry and am looking forward to my films
Sangolli Rayanna and
Cottonpete."
Nikitha was banned after popular actor Darshan's wife Vijayalakshmi in a written complaint blamed her for the discord in her married life. Munirathna who had earlier accused Nikitha of "distracting" Darshan, in the press meet credited her of being a "good girl."
He added that whatever be the issue, it will now be settled by the Artistes' Association. The change in the Associations' decision and stand came after many artists and producers expressed their displeasure. Actor Rajkumar's family opposing the
ban came as a shot in the arm.
Munirathna also mentioned that it was on senior producer Parvathamma Rajkumar's advice that the association decided to revoke the ban. "We have erred and have learnt from our mistake. I took the decision after visiting Vijayalakshmi in the hospital. I couldn't bear to see her in that state. I was moved by what she said. Thus without much consideration, a ban was imposed," he said.
But what action will the association, that jumped to fire at Nikitha, take against Darshan? "The matter is in court and thus I will refrain from commenting. Also, he is in hospital and suffering from mental and physical stress. Once he is out, I will reveal our stand," he said.
Darshan was
arrested for assaulting his wife last Friday. He is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital for asthma and jaundice.
Even as the ban against Nikitha was revoked, news of some producers opposing the lift started surfacing, but clearing the air, association member Umesh Banakar said, "That' s not true. Everyone wanted the ban to be lifted. If there was any opposition, it was only at the time of imposing the ban. Not everyone saw the logic behind it."
On the occasion, the Producers' Association also took a decision to get rid of the ban culture. "Henceforth producers will not impose bans. In case of problems, we have decided to settle it with respective individuals and their associations," Munirathna concluded.