I won't apologise for coming late: Kannada actress Ramya

Bangalore, June 1 (IANS) Popular south Indian actress Ramya has refused to apologise for arriving late to a press meet for the promotion of Kannada film 'Jothegaara'. She claimed she was not informed about the event or else she would have come on time.

'I was never told by the producer (Ashwini Ramprasad) that there was a press conference. He invited me for a dinner party with the journalists. I had intimated him well in advance that I will be late for the dinner as I was preoccupied. I will not apologise as I have not done anything wrong,' Ramya told IANS.

Ramya, who is also known as Divya Spandana in the Tamil film industry, created a scene Sunday when she had retorted to an angry outburst from a senior journalist that she needs to apologise for her late arrival to the conference.

The event was delayed for an hour because the actress reached late. The film's hero Prem, director Sikamani and other technicians too were waiting for her.

'I have not invited you to this meet. If you feel irritated that I came late, you can walk out of the room,' said an agitated Ramya. After this many journalists walked out of the press meet.

Ramprasad later confirmed Ramya's version that she was not informed about the press meet and he had only invited her for the dinner.

Ramya remained unapologetic at the alternative press meet, which was organised in a separate room later.

'I'm not a submissive person. I can't be bowed by threats. In fact, the scribe insulted and humiliated me. I think I deserve some respect as a woman and as an actress. It's true that I explained my position in an angry tone, but you should understand that I was provoked. The journalist had sought an explanation for coming late in a hostile fashion which had really upset me. I will react in similar way if anyone crosses the level of decency,' said Ramya.

However, the journalist in question, Ganesh Kasargod, said he had not experienced such hostility from a film personality in his 28-year career.

'I rarely speak in press conferences, but I was disturbed by the fact that Ramya spoke rudely and was arrogant when I demanded an apology. She could have explained her position in a conciliatory voice. She was hell bent on creating a scene in the press conference,' he said.