Actress and classical dancer Divya Unni recently returned to the United States after a short visit to Kerala. Her trip to Kochi was primarily to attend and perform at a Bharatanatyam event organized as part of a high-profile cultural program. However, the event took a controversial turn, leading to police involvement.
The Bharatanatyam event, organized by Mridanga Vision, faced severe backlash when Uma Thomas, a prominent political figure and MLA, fell from the stage during the program and sustained serious injuries. This incident drew significant media attention and led to questions about the event’s safety protocols and organizational standards. Reports suggest that police issued notices for questioning several individuals associated with the event, including Divya Unni.
Divya Unni was featured as the brand ambassador for the event, a move highlighted heavily by the organizers to attract participants and audiences. However, the program also faced allegations of financial fraud. Complaints filed by participants and their families revealed that the organizers collected significant amounts of money for participation fees and costumes but failed to deliver on their promises. For instance, they charged ₹2,000 for participation and an additional ₹1,600 for costumes, which many claimed were of subpar quality. Additionally, despite attempting to set a Guinness World Record, the participants did not receive any recognition or rewards for their efforts.
The police have registered cases of cheating against four individuals, including the event’s director, Nigosh, his wife, CEO Shameer, and Divya Unni’s friend Poornima. Bank accounts linked to the event’s financial transactions have reportedly been frozen as investigations proceed. Furthermore, it is believed that certain dance teachers acted as intermediaries in the financial mismanagement, prompting authorities to plan further action against them.
Amid the controversy, Divya Unni departed for the US via Kochi Airport. Reports indicate that she left before any formal questioning could take place. While she has been living in the US for a long time, her presence at the event was seen as a key promotional factor by the organizers. Police sources confirmed their intent to record her statement regarding the event and its management.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about accountability and transparency in organizing large-scale cultural programs. Many parents, who sent their children to participate in the event because of Divya Unni’s association, expressed their disappointment and frustration. The controversy continues to unfold, with police investigations expected to reveal further details in the coming days.
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