Pro-Kannada group opposes Sunny Leone event, claims her upcoming flick hurts South Indian sentiments

Bollywood actor Sunny Leone is expected to perform at a private event in Bengaluru on November 3rd. But yet again, there is trouble in store for the actor in the form of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Yuva Sena, a pro-Kannada group that has opposed the event.

Harish, the chief of the group spoke to media on Saturday and clarified that they were against Sunny Leone and not against the event per se. He claimed that they oppose Sunny Leone's entry to the South.

"Sunny Leone is acting in a movie called Veeramadevi. This movie is directed by Vadivudaiyan. This movie is about our culture. We oppose the movie and we don't want her to come to South India. I've no objections for the event. I've no authority to say that the event should not be conducted. But we don't want Sunny Leone because she has interfered with our culture." - Harish, State Secretary, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Yuva Sena,

Last year, several pro-Kannada groups protested against the actor's new year night performance in Bengaluru, claiming it was against Kannada culture. Also, the event got into a controversy after then Karnataka Home minister Ramalinga Reddy too opposed it as there was confusion regarding the permission granted to the organiser.

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This time, however, things are very different, the organiser claims he has obtained permission for the event. Interestingly, other pro-Kannada groups have not opposed the event. 

This is what Karave's Praveen Shetty said, "We're not against the event but we suggest that since November is the month when the state celebrates Karnataka Rajyotsava, we urge Sunny Leone to promote Kannada. She has donated Rs 5 Cr towards flood relief in Kerala. We've nothing against her."

Activists say that that Sunny Leone is being targeted. Activist Brinda Adige said, "This is absolutely ridiculous. They're targeting her because she was a porn star. The argument that Kannada culture will be hurt because of the event is wrong. What happened to the culture when women are raped and harassed? Men are the biggest audience of porn. I think Kannada culture is way more vast and deep and it won't be affected by any of this."

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