Darshan on Hosapete slipper attack: 'I will continue living like a king, no room for anger or depression'

The mega Hubballi Kranti event, which was to see the launch of the third single from the film, had many eyes drawn towards it. This was Darshan's first public appearance since the infamous Hosapete incident and although that occurred more than a week ago, much has transpired in the meantime to pique the curiosities of the public. So, as much as the agenda of the Hubballi event was to see through the launch of the new track, fans, industry trackers, and the media alike were keenly looking forward to Darshan's remarks about the attack and how he perceived the ongoing feud between his and Puneeth Rajkumar's fans.

While interacting with the media ahead of the launch, the Challenging Star looked at his chirpy, boisterous best and was seemingly geared up to take on any question that came his way. Joined by his two producers Shylaja Nag & B. Suresha, director V. Harikrishna, co-stars Rachita Ram & Nimika Ratnakar, and Pushpavati song lyricist Yogaraj Bhat, and while it seemed imminent that a question regarding the 'slipper' incident would be brought up any moment, the entire team looked a tight unit to counter it. However, quite interestingly, the entire interaction remained controversy-free with the media present choosing to ask questions only related to Kranti, its making, and the music.

But, as it turned out, Darshan wasn't going to end the evening without referring to the Hospet incident. As soon as he took the stage in front of thousands of his most ardent fans, who welcomed him with a resplendent flower shower, he would resume his duties as the MC of the event, going around the dais by introducing all the members of his team. And once he was through with the introductions, it was apparent that a punchline, or two, was in the offing and much to the delight of his fans, Darshan dished out quite a few, taking digs at those perceived as his haters.

"No matter what someone does, if there's one individual out there to harm me, I have you all in thousands to protect me. And I have one message to those who provoke me and carry out misdeeds against me - whatever you do, we won't be angered, annoyed, or depressed. Let's think of ourselves as kings and behave like them. And if our progress is causing envy in them, let's make them more envious," said Darshan.