Darshan: The Fallen Star of Kannada Cinema?

‍Darshan has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for over 20 years and has a child. However, he has been living with his longtime partner, Pavithra Gowda, outside his marriage. This has led to allegations of extramarital affairs and domestic violence.

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A Career Marked by Controversy and Success

Darshan Thoogudeepa, known as 'D-Boss' and 'Box Office Sultan', is one of the most celebrated actors in the Kannada film industry. Born on February 16, 1977, to veteran actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Darshan has had a long and tumultuous career marked by both critical acclaim and personal controversies.

Early Life and Career

Darshan began his acting career in the mid-1990s, working as a light boy and taking up small roles in films and television. His breakthrough came with the 2002 film Majestic, which catapulted him to stardom. He went on to star in several commercially successful films, including Kariya (2003), Kalasipalya (2005), Gaja (2008), Navagraha (2008), Saarathi (2011), Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012), Bulbul (2013), Yajamana (2019), Roberrt (2021), and Kaatera (2023).

Personal Life and Controversies

Darshan has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for over 20 years and has a child. However, he has been living with his longtime partner, Pavithra Gowda, outside his marriage. This has led to allegations of extramarital affairs and domestic violence. In 2011, his wife accused him of domestic violence, and he was arrested and spent 14 days in judicial custody. The case was later settled out of court.

Recent Arrest and Murder Charges

Darshan and Pavithra Gowda were arrested for their alleged role in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a pharmacist from Chitradurga. The victim had allegedly sent offensive comments on Pavithra's social media, accusing her of disrupting Darshan's marriage. Darshan allegedly persuaded the victim to travel to Bengaluru on the pretext of meeting him, where he was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. The body was found in a nearby stormwater drain.

Impact on Career and Legacy

Despite his controversies, Darshan remains one of the highest-paid actors in the Kannada film industry, according to IMDb. Five of his films have grossed over 50 Cr on the box office, with one even crossing the 100 Cr mark in recent years. His films have consistently broken box office records, cementing his status as a 'Box Office Sultan'. However, his recent arrest and murder charges have cast a shadow over his career and legacy, leaving fans and the film industry in shock.