This is one real-life script which could well turn out to be a nightmare for JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Well-known Southern actress Radhika, whom he reportedly dated for a few years, has extensively used Kumaraswamy’s pictures to promote her new movie Sweety Nanna Jodi.
After their drubbing in the recent Mandya and Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha bypolls, the last thing that JD(S) workers want is any kind of negative publicity for their leader at a time when they are preparing for the upcoming general elections.
Radhika is staging a comeback to the big screen after a gap of five years through the Kannada movie, which she also produced. She has been paired opposite newbie Aditya Singh, son of National Award-winning Kannada film director S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, in the film.
Recently, the music album of Sweety Nanna Jodi was released by Radhika in Bangalore. The album contains a picture of Kumaraswamy followed by the text in Kannada ‘Sri H.D. Kumaraswamy presents’.
It is common in south Indian movies for somebody unconnected with the project to “present” the movie, an honour which the film producer bestows upon his guide, mentor, friend or well-wisher.
Radhika had even issued a newspaper advertisement wishing Kumaraswamy on his birthday on behalf of her film unit.
With the movie set for release this month, JD(S) workers are working overtime to ensure that Kumaraswamy is not affected further.
If Radhika uses his pictures in the rolling credits of the movie, it could become cannon fodder for the ruling Congress and the BJP.
Kumaraswamy happens to be the Opposition leader in the Assembly. So it’s no surprise that Kumaraswamy has dismissed any query from the media about the episode.
His father and JD(S) president H.D. Deve Gowda has also distanced himself from the matter.
Radhika’s relationship with Kumaraswamy, who started his career as a movie distributor and theatre owner, is no secret in the corridors of power in Karnataka.
In an apparent bid to legitimise the relationship, the Kannada actress even released their pictures to the media three years ago.
