Slapgate in Sandalwood, director lands in trouble

Reputed Kannada film director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar allegedly slapped cine actor Aindrita Ray on board a Star Cruise ship near Hong Kong on December 6. The incident occurred reportedly because Aindrita arrived late on the ship for the shooting of Nooru Janmakku.

“I was not just slapped, but was also asked to keep quiet about it by the people on the sets. When I threatened to complain against him, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar said ‘I am a senior director; who will believe a newcomer like you?’” Aindrita said, recalling her traumatic experience.

“I cannot believe that I was hit by him. I was hysterical. Even my parents have never raised their hands on me. My mother, who was present there, was in tears because she couldn’t believe what I went through,” said Aindrita, who is back in Bangalore after her fortnight-long shoot in Hong Kong and Macau.

Aindrita filed a complaint against Chandrashekhar with Artistes’ Association and the Producers’ Association. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jaimala, who also received the complaint, said “Our culture doesn’t advocate violence against women. No one has a right to hit a woman. I condemn such violence.”

Leading Kannada actor Ramya, too, is shocked. “Whatever be the situation, one cannot raise a hand on a woman,” she said.

Chandrashekhar, who is credited with box office hits like Amruthadhaare and America America, told a TV channel, “I am appalled that she (Aindrita) has made such allegations. All I did was just to push her when my hand brushed her face. She refused to shoot. I told her that her father would have to pay for the damages. That was when she returned to shoot again. I was angry because she delayed the shoot by over three-and-a-half hours. She is a pampered child.”