Anugraha S. Nambiar, a burgeoning actor featuring in the JioHotstar Tamil series Resort, has taken to Instagram to level grave allegations against the show's creators and lead actor Vijay Kumar Rajendran, widely known for his Eruma Saan i fame.
In an emotional video, Anugraha detailed a harrowing experience purportedly involving contractual traps, financial exploitation, and verbal abuse.
Alleged contractual lock-in and financial distress
The actor alleged that after signing a one-year exclusive agreement, the production house, failed to provide her with work or remuneration. Despite no filming taking place for the past four months, the makers reportedly invoked the contract to block her from accepting other professional opportunities.
"I lost a project with JioHotstar itself because they forced me to block my dates, promising an important role in Resort, only to lock me into this situation," Anugraha stated. Coming from a small village in Kerala, she expressed her frustration over how newcomers are exploited: "You should not use dreamers and beginners like this."
'Health crisis and harassment'
The ordeal has taken a severe toll on Anugraha's physical and mental well-being. She revealed that the stress resulted in epileptic seizures and a subsequent fall that required hospitalization. Due to the lack of payment, she admitted to facing extreme poverty and even starvation.
Furthermore, Anugraha leveled specific accusations against Vijay Kumar's wife, Nakshatra Murthy. She claimed that while she was hospitalized, Nakshatra sent a derogatory voice message to a friend, suggesting they should "either marry her or tell her to come and act."
A call for accountability
Anugraha also disclosed that when her health condition was reported to Vijay Kumar, his response was dismissive, allegedly telling her friend that she need not return to the series.
Citing her inability to afford a legal battle, the actor noted that social media is her only platform for justice. With her testimony, discussions have erupted on the precarious nature of independent contracts in the digital streaming space and the ordeals of aspiring artists.(With inputs from Agencies)