From television celebs' alleged links with #Sandalwooddrugscandal to major TV comebacks of actors: Top news of Kannada TV at a glance

Kannada television witnessed a few major incidents this week. While the #Sandalwooddrugscandal has cast a dark spell in the Kannada entertainment industry, few television personalities were also summoned for questioning. On the other hand, Kannada television also witnessed some major comeback of actors. Here is a quick glimpse at the top TV news of the week.

Three television actors Geetha Bharati Bhat, Abhishek Das, and Rashmitha Changappa were reportedly summoned by Internal Security Department (ISD) officials on Tuesday (September 22) for questioning in connection with the drug scandal.

Speaking to ETimes-TV about her alleged connection with the scandal, actress Rashmitha Changappa said, "It is the Internal Security Department (ISD) who called us and not the Central crime Branch (CCB). They called us only for investigation and nothing else. I was there last week. Since we worked for a popular channel, the ISD officials asked if I had come across any of the accused in any parties or events. That's it," stated the actress.

In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, Geetha opened up about her 5-hour long questioning by the ISD regarding the #Sandalwooddrugscandal. "What has actually happened here is, the authorities have come across my contact number while interrogating a particular person's call log. Hence they wanted to know if I knew any information about them. They just wanted to get a little information from me and nothing else. Going by the investigation, they pulled out my call history, location details, and my background. I was asked a few questions to which I have answered honestly," avered Geetha.

Abhishek, after being questioned by ISD for nearly six hours, spoke to the media. He said, "They have called us for inquiry. This is all that is known. I was hurt when news channels flashed news saying there is drug abuse in serials and also spoke about me like an accused already. Such news can be damaging to my career prospects and will also hurt my family and spoil my reputation among my fans and followers."

Vani Harishchandra, who is one of the ace on-screen mothers of Kannada television, has resumed shooting for her show 'Premaloka'. The actress will soon be seen in the upcoming episodes of the show. She plays the role of an on-screen mother to the male lead character in the show.

Besides the fact that the actress made headlines for her alleged connection with #Sandalwooddrugscandal, she bagged a new project in her kitty. Rashmitha is seen playing a pivotal role in the daily show 'Moorugantu'. She portrays the character 'Vaishnavi' in the show. The actress has already joined the team and started shooting for the upcoming episodes, too.

The actor, who has always wooed the audience with his charismatic acting, has been dubbing for his show 'Seetheya Rama'. JK, as he is fondly known, is lending his voice to his character 'Ravan' from the show. Speaking to Etimes-TV, JK said, "It’s the best feeling to dub your own voice, so much of satisfaction, I’m sure you will all enjoy the Show Seetheya Rama."

Ace comedian Rockline Sudhakar breathed his last on October 24 on the sets of his upcoming film, which features Jothe Jotheyalli actor Pruthvi Ambaar in the lead. Rockline Sudhakar was there on the set for the shoot, when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest and breathed his last. Etimes-TV got in touch with actor Pruthvi Ambaar, who was present on the set with the actor earlier this morning before the tragic incident took place."We had breakfast together this morning. I actually ate very little today, so Sudhakar sir noticed and questioned me about it. We just had a casual talk after that. He was actually smiling and laughing at everyone on the sets today. All of a sudden he said, he wants to take rest. But then, after a while, there was no response from him. We felt waiting for an ambulance would consume time, so we decided to take him to the hospital in our director's car. Unfortunately, he was declared dead due to cardiac arrest."

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police of Mangaluru on Thursday issued summons to famous Kannada TV anchor Anushri for her alleged connection with a drug case involving choreographer Kishore Aman Shetty. According to a senior police officer, the Mangaluru police arrived late in the night around 9.30 p.m. and served Anushree the summons personally.

Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai breathed his last today (September 25). He was 74. While the sad demise of the legendary singer has sent shockwaves to the entire nation, many celebs are sharing their deepest condolence. ETimes TV, spoke to actress Swetha Changappa, who received her first award by the legendary singer himself. "I just can't digest the fact that the legendary singer the nation has known, S. P. Balasubramaniam sir is no more. I am out of words to describe the loss. I consider myself to be very lucky for receiving my first award from SPB sir. It was more of the privilege of receiving my first award for my very first project from SPB sir."