Mumbai: Actress Kasturi Shankar, known for her roles in films like Indian and Annamaiya, has reportedly gone missing following backlash over her recent comments regarding the Telugu community. During an event in Tamil Nadu, Kasturi allegedly made remarks describing Telugus as descendants of former royal servants, sparking outrage among Telugu-speaking people. The comments were widely condemned, leading to protests and legal complaints filed against her in Chennai and Madurai.
Police Action and Search for Kasturi Shankar
The actress faced accusations of hurting community sentiments, leading to swift police action. The Egmore Police in Chennai registered cases against her under four sections of the Indian Penal Code, issuing legal notices to her. However, upon arriving at her residence, police officials found the house locked, and multiple sources indicate Kasturi’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Her phone has also reportedly been switched off, further complicating the search.
Public Apology on Social Media
Following the backlash, Kasturi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to apologize. She stated, “I never intended to insult or disrespect the Telugu community. I apologize for any offense caused unintentionally.” However, in a later media interaction, she defended her statement, expressing her frustration with what she sees as double standards in the response to her comments.
Historical Context and Clarification
In her clarification, Kasturi explained that her comments referenced a historical group within Telugu-speaking communities and were not aimed at the entire Telugu population in Tamil Nadu. She said her remarks were based on historical sub-laborers who she believes accompanied Telugu kings to Tamil Nadu centuries ago.
The incident has stirred debate and escalated tensions between fans and the actress, adding a new chapter to her already dynamic public life. As police continue their search for Kasturi Shankar, her recent statements have brought her under intense scrutiny, and the situation remains unresolved.
