I'm not destroying Thilakan's career: Nedumudi Venu

Thiruvananthapuram, June 13 (IANS) Veteran Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu Friday denied National Award winner Thilakan's allegation that he was trying to destroy his career.

'Thilakan accused me of creating hurdles for him in the industry but it isn't true. I'm innocent. I was planning to ignore his allegations but I was pained after his comments were flashed on all TV channels,' Venu told reporters here.

Thilakan Thursday said back-stabbing in the Malayalam film industry was worse than in politics and Venu was leading a team that was out to destroy him. The thespian was chosen for a special award by the jury of the 53th National Awards that were announced Tuesday.

'Thilakan is one of the senior-most artistes in the industry and such statements lower his stature. He should cite precise instances when I have tried to harm him,' Venu said.

'I am prepared to have a dialogue with Thilakan with the help of a mediator to clear all misunderstandings,' Venu said.

However, Thilakan stuck to his stand. 'Venu is a good actor but should desist from acting in real life. He should stop worrying about my stature, and instead give up on loose talk. Let there be a public discussion on the issue that I have raised,' he said.