Newlyweds Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan Caught In Controversy At Tirumala Shrine

The newly-wed couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Sivan have unwittingly stirred controversy during their post-wedding visit to the holy shrine Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam on June 11. The couple, who got married on June 9, Thursday, was at the hill temple to participate in the Kalyanotsavam of Lord Venkateswara.

However, a controversy erupted when actor Nayanthara was found walking along the streets around the temple complex with her footwear on.

Nayanthara Caught In Controversy At Tirumala Shrine

Video footage of Nayanthara walking in the vicinity of the main temple wearing footwear went viral on social media. She and her husband were posing for photographers who mobbed the couple. Many, including political leaders, came down heavily on the actor and alleged that she had hurt the sentiments of devotees and demanded that the TTD authorities take stringent action against her for flouting temple norms.

Reportedly, TTD norms dictate that walking in the Mada streets wearing footwear is prohibited and that there are also boards highlighting the rule and appeals are periodically made through a broadcast system within the temple complex.

The authorities of the TTD shrine said that appropriate action will be taken against the actor. TTD Vigilance Guard Officer Bali Reddy was quoted saying in a report by The Hindu that he would take up the issue to the notice of the higher-ups and proceed legally.

Vignesh Shivan Apologises

Director Vignesh Shivan has now issued an apology on behalf of his wife to the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam board. Reportedly, his letter spoke about how the couple chose to visit the shrine instead of going back home and attended Kalyanotsavam.

The director mentioned that the couple only agreed to get photos clicked quickly so they could leave because they could be mobbed by fans later and during the commotion did not notice that Nayanthara wasn't walking barefoot in the restricted area and apologised.

Nayanthara-Shivan Wedding

Actor Nayanthara wed director-husband Shivan at a star-studded ceremony in Mahabalipuram which was attended by actors Rajnikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Thalapathy Vijay, Thala Ajith with his family, director Atlee and others.