Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (AM/RJP)

Mangaluru, Oct 10: Actor Prakash Rai, who landed in the city to receive ‘Shivarama Karanth Huttura Prashasti' awarded by Kota Shivaram Karanth Trust and Kotatattu Gram Panchayat on Tuesday, October 10, was accorded a rousing welcome by fans.

The well-known multilingual actor, who did not seem to be bothered by protests, visited Sadanand Hotel at Surathkal and had breakfast. He fondly celebrated with fans with enthusiasm.

Prakash Rai hit the headlines recently after calling out PM Modi for following people celebrating journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder and expressed his desire to return the awards.

While senior BJP leaders have decided to boycott the award function on Tuesday, a few of them had even threatened to hold a protest at the venue.

Earlier Prakash Rai arrived at Mangaluru airport. Speaking briefly to reports he said “Every person has the right to differ. If BJP has decided to protest against the award I am going to receive, it is their right. Some people have reasons to love. Some do not. People will decide everything.”

DYFI activists welcomed Rai at the airport. At Kuloor also he was greeted by people.

Later he stopped at Padubidri and Udupi, where he took rest for some hours and the proceeded to Kundapur.

Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike, Dalit Damanithara Horata Samiti, Center of Indian Trade Unions, (CITU), Democratic Youth Federation of India, District Muslim Okkoota, Insurance organizations, International Christ forum Udupi, International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), Karnataka State Christian Forum for Human Rights members welcomed Prakash Rai in Santhekatte near Udupi.

Balakrishna Shetty, Sundar Master, Hussain Kodibegre, Yasin Kodibengre, Hayavadana Mudusagri, Prashantha Jathanna, G Rajshekhar and others were present.