Nikhita Thukral 'banned from acting over affair'

Nikhita Thukral has been banned from working in Kannada language films over an alleged affair with actor Darshan.

The ban was issued by the Kannada Film Producers' Association after the star was said to have been responsible for the break-up of Darshan's marital relationship, reports BBC News.

"If Nikhita apologises for her behaviour and says she will just work in films and not get involved in domestic affairs of fellow actors, we will withdraw the ban," said association president Munirathnam.

The Sandalwood star denied all charges made against her: "There's nothing between us beyond a professional relationship. If Darshan has a problem with his wife, how am I responsible?"

Gaja star Darshan was accused of threatening his wife Vijayalakshmi at gunpoint last week.

After registering a police complaint, she was admitted to a hospital with injuries to her legs, hands and head.

Following the arrest of Darshan, riots are reported to have broken out in Bangalore.

A number of actors in the Kannada Film industry, including Pooja Gupta and Sammir Dattani, have parallel careers in Hindi cinema too.