Actor Kasthuri ShankarKnown for her roles in films like Indian and Annamayya, she has been missing following backlash over her controversial statements about the Telugu community. A money control report claims that after multiple legal cases were filed against the actor for her comments, police are unable to locate her. (Read also: ‘Aamir Khan is the reason people in North India know me,’ says Suriya)

Kasthuri Shankar missing?

Several people and groups have reportedly complained against Kasthuri, accusing her of insulting the Telugu community. The Egmore police station in Chennai reportedly registered cases against her under various sections of the Bharat Nagrik Suraksha Samhita, citing offenses related to disrespectful and hurtful speeches against a community.

The report also states that the police took swift action, tried to contact Kasthuri at his residence and discovered his house locked. His phone was also reportedly turned off and unreachable, apparently going into hiding. Even as these reports come out, the actress seems indifferent and posts reels on her Instagram stories about relationships and more.

What did Kasthuri say?

Kasthuri reportedly suggested that the ancestry of the Telugu community in Tamil Nadu was from courtesans who served kings. The statement angered many, leading to backlash and accusations that the actor had disrespected the community and its heritage. He made this statement while speaking about the DMK political party at a rally against “persecution of Brahmins”.

Faced with mounting pressure, Kasthuri issued a statement last week, part of which read: “It was never my intention to hurt or offend my extended Telugu family. I’m sorry for any inconvenience. I withdraw all references to Telugu in my speech.” She further explained that the controversy has “diverted attention from more important points” she raised.

Who is Kasthuri Shankar?

Kasthuri has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films since her debut in 1991 with Aatha Un Koyilile. Over the years, he has acted in films such as IndianParampara, Habba, Velvet Nagaram, Godfather, Vadacurry, Krishna and Sneham.

He recently appeared in the Telugu film Simbaa and the Telugu television show Seethe Ramudiki Katnam. This is not the first time Kasthuri has clashed with DMK party.