Challenging Star Darshan given 10 days to respond to Women’s Commission notice

Kannada cinema’s Challenging Star Darshan is known to speak his mind and he often does it without filtering his thoughts, which has, in the past, got him in trouble. The latest issue cropped up after the actor’s speech at the 50-day success celebration of his film Kaatera, during which Darshan made certain comments that ruffled the feathers of a women’s right organization.

Days before the event, Darshan was in the news after an online scuffle broke out between his wife Vijayalakshmi and his alleged partner of 10 years, Pavitra Gowda, when the latter posted images of her with the actor to mark 10 years of their relationship. Hinting at this and how such issues do not ever bother him, the Kannada superstar said that all that matters to him are the people who work with him – directors and producers – and, most importantly, his fans, whom he refers to as his celebrities.

Darshan’s ‘Oblu barthale, oblu hogthale’ has women’s rights association up in arms 

The problem with this statement was the way in which Darshan said it. “Ivathu ivalu iruthala, naale avalu iruthala’… Avala ajjina badiya (sic)”, which irked the Gowdatiyara Sangha, who in turn filed a complaint against the actor with the State Women’s Commission. The members of the sangha said they were driven to seek action against Darshan, as he has been repeatedly making derogatory statements about women, which they say, is indicative that he does not hold women in high esteem.

Kranti: Trouble brews for Darshan after ‘Goddess of Luck’ comment 

They also highlighted how, during the promotions of Kranti, the actor had said something highly offensive about goddess luck, stating that when she comes knocking, one should strip her and lock her up in the bedroom. The Gowdatiyara Sangha has not only sought a public apology from Darshan, but also demanded that he explain himself and the context in which he said ‘Avala ajjina badiya’. The sangha members said that Darshan’s outlook and perspective about women needs a drastic change.