Shivarajkumar and Kichcha Sudeep expressed their support to Darshan and criticized the slipper attack at the event in Hospet.
“Yesterday’s act on Darshan in Hospet has hurt my heart. All artists belong to the same family. This kind of inhumane incident hurts all the family members. I request everyone not to do such acts ever again. Show love with pride; not hatred or disrespect.”
Actor Kichcha Sudeep expressed his views saying: “Our land, language, and culture is all about love & respect…
Every problem has a solution, and every solution has multiple ways of being solved. Each and every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, and any problem can be solved in a manner that is plesant and calm. The video I saw was very disturbing. There were many others and the leading lady of the film standing there as well who were just a part of the event and had nothing to do with the rage that was prevailing at that time. Humiliating them publicly brings about questions as to are we kannadigas known for these unjustified reactions. Is this kind of an outburst even an option. As far as Darshan is concerned, I agree there may have been a situation that isn’t so pleasant between him and Puneeth fans.
But is this the reaction Puneeth himself would have appreciated and supported? An answer to this is something that probably each of his beloved fans know. One silly act from one indivual in the crowd shouldn’t damage the whole system called love, dignity and respect that Puneeth fans are known for. Darshan has contributed a lot to this industry and our language. The differences between us isn’t something that will stop me from speaking about what I truly feel. He surely didn’t deserve this kinda of a treatment and it disturbed me as well. Kannada industry and the people of our land are known for good reasons for which kannada and karnataka is respected across all states.
We shouldn’t be spreading this kind of message. Rebelling like this isn’t an answer or a reaction towards any situation. I do understand there wil be differences between actors, fans etc and I’m no one to come in between and speak about that. But I also am someone who was close to both Darshan and Puneeth and keeping the position I held in their lives, i took this liberty to pen down my feelings. Forgive me if at all I spoke more than what I should have. Having traveled 27 years in this fraternity I have realized one thing for sure. Nothing and no one is forever. Let’s spread love, respect and get the same in return from all. That’s the only way one can win anyone and any situation. Nimma,,,Kichcha.”
Actors such as Nenapirali Prem and Dhananjaya, Prajwal, Pranam Devaraj, to Abishek Ambareesh, and many others, have been criticizing the event and expressing their affection and support.
This incident occurs during the promotional event. A group of admirers of the late Puneeth Rajkumar tried to disrupt the event of the official launch of the song from his film Kranti in Hospete by yelling “Appu, Appu,” and one of them ended up throwing a slipper at Darshan, which struck his cheek and shoulder. Even though he was momentarily surprised, Darshan shrugged it aside and carried on.
According to reports, the incident, which is quickly being termed “Slipper Shot,” was the result of a previous statement made by Darshan in an interview, in which he equated the support from his fans to the outpouring of love and respect for Puneeth Rajkumar after his death. Darshan had previously stated that he feels privileged to have witnessed the outpouring of love that typically occurs after a performer passes away. Naturally, this did not set well with the late Power Star’s admirers, and there was a nasty online argument at the time. In addition, they requested an apology from Darshan, but none was given.