Following the clarifications offered by actor Vijay Kumar Rajendran and his wife Nakshatra Murthy on the allegations made by Anugraha of Resort series-fame, the latter has now shared her final take on the ongoing issue. She asserted that the accusation made by Vijay Kumar that she took an advance payment of Rs 25,000 for her personal emergencies and never paid back, was her money as she has neither received any projects after September last year.
"I was also told that the money will be deducted from my next salary. How is that possible? I don't understand the monetary terms of this. If you have bank statements, I also have necessary proof. If you are right, why should I beg for my payment. You also cannot put an agreement two months into the show. That's your fault," she said.
Anugraha said she was forced to sign the agreement and accused Vijay Kumar of interfering in all aspects of production including script writing, direction, and casting. "There are two units of shoots happening simultaneously, one by Praveen and one by Vijay Kumar. He gave me false hopes of improving my character arc and manipulated me. Executive producer Gopi did not allow me to go anywhere for personal emergencies, saying that I have been committed for this project. During the time, I did not attend any auditions. Without proper planning, I was called on random days for shoot," she added.
Anugraha further noted how she was deceived in the pretext of providing her with a main female lead, but was made to travel three times for a "side character role". She emphasised that the person who called Vijay Kumar and his wife on behalf of her, spoke saying they were her friend, and not partner. "Why are you trying to deviate from the issue? Why are you getting scared, Vijay Kumar? Whoever is my position, would react in the same way," she responded, noting she doesn't believe in playing the "victim card" or "defaming" anyone. "I could have asked Rs 1 lakh or more, but all I am asking is Rs 25,000. I was not even reimbursed for my travel expenses," she said, concluding her statement by requesting Vijay to not crush anyone's dreams and said she is officially leaving the series.
The issue began when Anugraha, who plays a key role in the recent JioHotstar series, accused the team of non-payment and insensitive treatment during a personal health crisis. Vijay Kumar's wife Nakshatra Murthy, later responded to the issue, denying any financial responsibility and questioned the nature of the allegations, asking why they have to give payment for her. She alleged that her issue and the reaction looked "pre-planned." and was made to "trigger" them to the largest extent possible. Speaking about the hate comments she received, Nakshatra said that people jumped to conclusions without hearing her side of the story.
Hours later, Vijay Kumar too shared his statement saying that the production banner was magnanimous enough to allow her to participate in an audition on a shoot day and even paid her the full amount for the day, although she shot only one scene. He then said that she waited until the story introduced a love triangle, in hopes that they wouldn't be able to replace her. Vijay also said he will be filing a defamation case against Anugraha.