In a fit of rage

When the ‘Challenging Star’ Darshan was arrested on Friday morning on charges of domestic violence, his fans and people in the industry were shell-shocked.

Married for over ten years to Vijaylakshmi, no one really spoke about Darshan’s personal life until recently when rumour mills started suggesting that the actor had an affair with a Tamil-cum-Kannada actress.

Through the day, all those close to the actor and his family chose to maintain silence. Actors like Duniya Vijay and ‘Lovely Star’ Prem were with Darshan and they maintained a diplomatic approach on the issue.

“There are two sides of the story and until one knows about the entire issue, I feel no one should comment on the incident,” said Vijay.

Young actor Dharma Keerthiraj, who not only made his debut in a Darshan starrer, Navagraha, but has been closely associated with the family, preferred to stay mum. “I really don’t wish to comment as it’s a family issue,” he said.

The actresses, who have worked with Darshan couldn’t imagine a ‘down-to-earth’ individual, to have done something like this. Deepa Sanniddi, Darshan’s co-star in the upcoming film Sarathi, couldn’t believe that he would do something like this.

“There is a reason behind everything and no one knows what really took place. Darshan has been such a wonderful co-star, he even helped me with my acting skills and camera angles during the shoot, which is why I was shocked to hear this news,” she added.

On whether such an incident would stop her from acting with Darshan, Deepa said, “Not at all. Professional work is different from personal life. I don’t think anyone would or should link the two together. If the story and script are good I will work with him again.”

Jennifer Kotwal, who has worked with Darshan in films like Ee Bandhana and more recently in ‘Prince’ said that she has always maintained a professional relationship with Darshan.

“I never get involved with any star’s personal life. I just come and do my work and leave. Darshan is a talented actor and used to keep to himself on the sets.  I just heard about the issue in the morning and was shocked. It is very hard when an actor’s personal life is put up for everyone to see. As an actor, one must be careful about how one carries himself/herself in the public eye,” she said.

Darshan, who has worked in movies like Majestic, Kalasipalya, Kariya, Datta, Gaja and others, has also done special appearances including one in Ramesh Aravind’s film. Ramesh said that the public must know that artistes are human and they too have problems of their own.

“Everyone has domestic problems but such an incident is shocking. Anger is there in everyone but one must know how to channelise and express it in the right manner. He, being a talented and rising star, should be more careful because youngsters look upto him as a role model. It is a sad and strange turn of events and I do hope they resolve the issue quickly,” he said.

The issue may get resolved but it still doesn’t belittle the fact that actors have huge responsibilities as role models and such acts of violence send a wrong message to their fans.