Controversy over actress Rachita Ram’s 'first night' remark, film association demands apology

Kannada actress Rachita Ram has landed into a controversy that was initiated by her bold remarks she made while a reporter asked her a question about acting in sensual scenes. The Kannada Kranthi Dal has demanded a public apology from the actress for her recent statement on the “first night” during a press conference for her yet-to-be-released film ‘Love You Rachchu’. The organization has also sought a ban on the actress by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Talking to the media, the organisation’s president Tejasvi Nagalingaswamy said, “Rachita’s statements were against the “culture of the land” and had “damaged the image of the state”. The actress was questioned on acting in sensual scenes, although she had said she wouldn’t do them. Clarifying the ‘bold’ scenes in the upcoming movie ‘Love You Rachchu’, she said she had done what the script demanded. Replying to the question she countered, “There are so many people here who are married. I do not have any intention to embarrass anyone. Generally, I am asking you guys to tell me what people do after marriage? What do they do?” Even as the media persons were recovering from her banter, she answered her own rhetorical questions with: “They will romance, right? That’s what is being shown in the film.”Furthermore she added “There is some reason why I have done these scenes. You will get to know it when you watch the movie. You just had a kid, you should tell me,” she said smilingly at the reporter who had posed the question. Her bold statements were appreciated by her fans, but Tejasvi Nagalingaswamy said these were against the rich traditions of the Kannada film industry established by legends such as Dr Rajkumar. The former said, “All leading and veteran actresses have never issued such statements,” he said. “Rachita Ram, who doesn’t know about the history of the industry, who has come to it recently, has spoken indecently and caused damage to its reputation,” “The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce should consider the statements of Rachita Ram seriously and impose a ban on her. Otherwise, we will not allow her movie ‘Love You Rachchu’ to be released anywhere in Karnataka. We will approach the courts,” he further warned.