Bigg Boss Kannada Star Faces Police Complaint Over Controversial Smoking Reel at Mysuru Heritage Site
A formal police complaint has been registered against Bigg Boss Kannada fame Rajath Kishan following widespread outrage over a social media reel that showed him smoking a cigarette in front of a heritage building in Mysuru. The complaint was filed at the Lakshmipuram Police Station by members of a local pro-Kannada organization, who are demanding legal action against the actor for allegedly violating public smoking regulations and misusing a protected heritage location for a stylized video shoot.
Details of the Controversial Reel and Public Backlash
The controversial reel, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, depicts Rajath Kishan arriving in a car and stepping out in a dramatic, cinematic manner. He is seen holding a cigarette while posing with the historic Old Deputy Commissioner’s Office building in the background. This structure is recognized as a significant heritage landmark in Mysuru, often referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka.
Local activists and social media users have expressed strong disapproval, arguing that such visuals:
- Disrespect the historical and cultural importance of the heritage site
- Normalize unlawful behavior in public spaces
- Potentially influence young followers who look up to public figures
The complainants have specifically questioned whether proper permission was obtained for filming at the protected location, adding another layer to the controversy.
History of Controversies and Growing Concerns
This incident marks not the first time Rajath Kishan has found himself embroiled in controversy over his social media content. The latest episode follows closely on the heels of a previous incident where he was seen wielding a machete in a photoshoot reel, which reportedly led to police intervention and legal scrutiny.
Following the fresh complaint, local groups have urged authorities to take strict action, emphasizing that repeated controversies involving the same individual send a problematic message and undermine respect for both legal regulations and cultural heritage. They have also called for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement against filming reels at public and heritage locations without appropriate permissions.
Police Investigation and Broader Implications
Police officials are currently examining the contents of the viral reel and the formal complaint to determine whether any laws were violated. This includes assessing potential breaches of:
- Public smoking regulations
- Rules governing filming at protected or sensitive heritage sites
As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding whether a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the actor.
The controversy has reignited important debates about several contemporary issues:
- The growing trend of sensational social media reels that prioritize engagement over responsibility
- The heightened accountability of celebrities and influencers in shaping public behavior
- The urgent need to protect heritage spaces from being used as backdrops for potentially unlawful or insensitive content
This case highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression on digital platforms and the preservation of cultural heritage, while underscoring the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with public visibility in the age of social media.
