Malayalam actress Navya Nair faced an unexpected incident during her recent visit to Australia when she was stopped at Melbourne Airport and fined AUD 1,980 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) for carrying a 15-cm jasmine gajra in her handbag. The actress had travelled to Melbourne to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria.
The incident has sparked discussions among her fans and the wider Malayali community about Australia’s strict biosecurity rules, highlighting the country’s zero-tolerance stance on carrying flowers, plants, or organic items without prior declaration.
Here’s what happened
Navya Nair addressed the matter during an event in Melbourne, where she narrated what happened at the airport. Recalling the experience, she said, “Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag.”
However, Australian authorities found the jasmine garland in her luggage upon arrival and informed her that carrying flowers without declaration violated biosecurity regulations. Navya explained that she was unaware of the rule but admitted her mistake.
“What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15-cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980 (Rs 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days,” she said, as quoted in several media reports.
Australian biosecurity laws are among the strictest in the world, which are designed to protect the country’s unique ecosystem from potential pests and diseases. Even small quantities of flowers, fruits, or organic products can lead to heavy penalties if not declared on arrival cards.
Who is Navya Nair?
Born as Dhanya Raju Nair in Muthukulam, a village near Haripad in Alappuzha, Kerala, Navya Nair is a popular actress primarily known for her work in Malayalam cinema, along with notable appearances in Tamil and Kannada films. Her father, Raju, worked as a telecom employee, while her mother, Veena, is a school teacher. Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker K. Madhu is her maternal uncle.
Navya showed signs of early talent in academics and the arts. Trained in classical dance from a young age, she earned the prestigious Kalathilakam title during the Alappuzha District School Youth Festival while studying at Bethany Balikamadam Girls High School, Nangiarkulangara, Haripad. She later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English before entering films.
Navya Nair’s film career
Navya Nair made her debut in 2001 with the romantic drama Ishtam, directed by Sibi Malayil, opposite Dileep. The film was a commercial success and earned her critical acclaim for her fresh performance and natural charm. She followed it up with Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002), again opposite Dileep, which also performed well at the box office.
Later that year, she starred in Kunjikoonan, which went on to become another blockbuster. Over the next few years, she delivered several memorable performances and became one of the most sought-after actresses in Malayalam cinema. After her marriage, Navya took a break from films and shifted focus to television appearances. She became a familiar face on reality shows and currently serves as one of the judges on Kidilam, alongside Mukesh and Rimi Tomy.
Navya Nair’s personal life
Navya married Santhosh Menon, a Malayali settled in Mumbai, on 21 January 2010. The couple has a son, Sai Krishna, born the same year. Interestingly, her screen name ‘Navya Nair’ was suggested by director Sibi Malayil, who believed her birth name ‘Dhanya’ lacked the on-screen appeal required for a film career.
Her comeback to films
After nearly a decade away from the big screen, Navya made a comeback in 2021 with Drishya 2, reprising her role as Seetha. The film received critical acclaim and performed strongly at the box office.
Her next Malayalam release, Oruthee (2022), directed by V. K. Prakash, showcased Navya in a powerful, performance-driven role alongside Vinayakan and Saiju Kurup. In the film, she portrayed Radhamani, a middle-class boat ticket conductor navigating financial struggles and personal challenges while her husband works abroad. The movie was praised for its realistic storyline and Navya’s compelling portrayal of a woman balancing work, motherhood, and societal pressures.
What happened after the incident?
Following the incident at Melbourne Airport, Navya Nair has urged travellers to stay informed about international regulations when flying overseas. Her experience highlights how even unintentional mistakes can lead to hefty penalties under Australian biosecurity laws. The actress clarified that she had no intention to violate the rules and expressed gratitude to her fans for their support. She has since fulfilled her commitment to attend the Onam celebrations in Melbourne and continues to participate in community events during her stay.