Was removed from film’s cast without reason, alleges actor

BENGALURU: An actor’s social media post, alleging that she was ousted from a Kannada movie without valid reasons, was widely circulated in the city.
Avanthika Shetty, who debuted in the movie Rangitaranga, alleged that she was removed from the cast of Raju Kannada Medium by producer K Suresh and was the victim of ‘objectification’ of women.
The actor is presently working on Rajaratha which is being made by Anup Bhandari, who also directed Rangitaranga.
“I have become yet another victim of the way women are objectified by certain kind of men in the (Sandalwood) industry… I recently read an article with fabricated content provided by Suresh, which ruthlessly maligns my name, making all sorts of allegations and projects my character in poor light…” she wrote in her post.
Avanthika alleged that she was asked to leave the movie without proper reasons. She said half of her payment was not made by the producer, even though she had finished most parts assigned to her.
With no amicable solution to the issue in sight, she has given a complaint to the Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce.
Chamber vice-president Umesh Banakar, however, said they haven’t received a formal complaint. But taking note of media reports, the chamber has asked producer K A Suresh to appear before it on Monday, he added. “We will examine the agreement signed between him and Avanthika, and hear his side of the story. If he has any grievance to be addressed, we may have to call Avanthika too. In any case, I hope the issue will be settled amicably,” he said.
Chamber office bearers said as a matter of convention Avanthika has to move the Kannada Film Artistes Association for redressal of her grievances. The association, in turn, will refer the case to the chamber, if required. The association said the actor, who is not even a member, hadn’t approached it yet. “We will look into the matter if she comes to us with her case,” said Rockline Venkatesh, secretary, Kannada Film Artistes Association.