'Don't Know If He's Accused': Director Mahesh Kumar On Darshan's Involvement In Renuka Swamy Murder Case

Kannada actor is currently under judicial custody in the Renuka Swamy murder case. His judicial custody is set to end on July 18. His fans of the actor are praying for his health while some celebrities have criticised the superstar culture of Indian cinema as the case unfolds. On one hand, when actors and directors have decided to keep mum on the issue, the Ayogya film director Mahesh Kumar has lent his support to his friend and actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. While talking to the media, the director said that Darshan is not an accused until proven by the court.

Director Mahesh Kumar said that the people have no right to call Darshan a murderer until the court passes its judgement. “We don’t know whether Darshan is the accused or the criminal. We have no right to say so. We are not even lawyers. Who are we to tell you all that? It will be decided by the court. We are waiting for them to come out." said Mahesh Kumar. The director prays for his favourite actor’s health and wishes for his safe return from the jail.

Mahesh Kumar further said that none of the people know what happened the night of Renuka Swamy’s murder. He asks people to trust the lawyers, cops and judges who are responsible for carrying out justice and finding the truth. The director feels that Darshan has been trapped in this case and is innocent.

Director Mahesh recalled Darshan’s arrival from jail in 2011. After his return, the actor gave a blockbuster film Saarathi. It was written and directed by Dinakar Thoogudeepa. He also said that Darshan’s fans organised a party at KG Road in Bengaluru on the arrival of the actor from jail. The same party is expected to take place this time too, he added.

Citing the humble nature of the actor, Mahesh Kumar said that Darshan never called any director by their name. He always respected the filmmakers and used to greet them while calling them directors on and off the film sets.

“Darshan never called me by my name. He has always been called and respected as a director. I became close to Darshan during Robert’s movie Time. By the time of the Kaateera movie, the friendship had become even better." Mahesh Kumar.