Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai (SP)

Chennai, Oct 5: Adhiti, who is also known with the name, Athira Santosh (21), native of Idukki, and who had predominantly done some Malayalam TV serials, had recently bagged a role in Tamil movie, 'Nedunalvaadai' directed by Selva Kannan. The actress tried to end her life on September 28 by consuming poison, which came as surprise to many including her fans. She has since recovered and shifted to ward from intensive care unit, it is learnt.

It is said that Selva Kannan harassed her mentally and sexually and also posed death threat, warning her not to reveal the truth to anyone. The actress has said that she has filed police complaint as well as written to the artistes union, but the union office bearers say they are helpless as Kannan is not its member.

Reports claim that earlier, a person chosen for the leading role had made sexual advances at her after which he was thrown out. Later, the director started pursuing her, asking her to marry him, and confessing that he was madly in love with her. He had even locked her up once. Athira had gone back to Kerala thereafter. When she recently returned to the city for an ad shoot, Kannan and goons hired by him reportedly beat her up on the sets. This was too much to bear, the actress consumed poison thereafter.

Athira says that shooting of her maiden Tamil film got delayed as Amjith, who was chosen to work as hero, walked away after differences arose between him and the director. She got several offers in the meanwhile as there was delay in finding a replacement. "In the meanwhile, the director expressed his love for me but I could not accept it as I looked upon him as a fatherly figure. He pleaded with me, and his behaviour thereafter changed for the worse, going even to the extent of assaulting me. When I was locked up, other people helped me. After a shooting stint, I had to go out to attend another project, when he began to send threatening messages to me. He along with three to four of his associates gatecrashed into a set where my ad shoot was on, and created a scene. I could not bear this torture and consumed poison. With the help of friends and counselling, I have regained health now," she stated.

Selva Kannan however, denies the allegation. He says that after Athira got other offers, she began to neglect shooting of his film and her commitment deteriorated after the first schedule. She remained incommunicado on certain times when shooting was to take place. I complained to Producers Guild and Producers Association. It is wrong on the part of Athira to level unfounded allegations against me and accuse me of misbehaviour," he stated.