February 16, usually a day of huge celebration for the Kannada film industry, is somber this year. Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is better known as the “Challenging Star” or “D Boss,” is taking the joy of his 49th birthday out for a new day, this one not in a crowd of thousands of supporters but inside a prison cell. At least for the actor, his birthday now belongs to no other celebration that usually envelops fans outside of his home for the first time in his storied career. Rather, a muted resilience has replaced it though; his family and “celebrity” followers have instead made spiritual and social contributions.
Vijayalakshmi Darshan’s Heartfelt Tribute
In the heat of the legal fight, Darshan’s wife, Vijayalakshmi, took to social media to offer a poignant message which very quickly went viral. Posting a family image with herself, Darshan and their son Vineesh standing before a birthday cake, she said:
“Happy birthday to the person who celebrates every single day.”
The post had special significance as the cake featured an elephant, a reference to Darshan’s well-known affinity for the animal and his nickname “Aane” (Elephant) in the industry. Vijayalakshmi visited a temple earlier this morning with special prayers for his health and was set to meet him in the prison later today with official authorization.
The Legal Backdrop
It's the Renukaswamy murder case that has resulted in the actor's situation today. Although Darshan was released on bail in late 2024, the legal battle escalated in 2025. A Supreme Court’s intervention that reversed his earlier release, due to legal infirmities, saw the actor brought back into custody in August 2025. Currently lodged in prison, the actor has long dealt with health problems, including chronic back pains that necessitated medical attention earlier this year. His lawyers are also battling for relief as the trial moves through the sessions court.
Fans Turn to "D-Service"
To honour the actor's situation, official fan clubs (D-Company) also ordered supporters in Karnataka. Instead of congregating at his house or at the gates of the prison, fans devote their mornings to charitable works:
- Blood Donation Camps: Held in big districts such as Mysuru and Bengaluru.
- Annadhana (Food Distribution): Food serving in orphanages and elderly residences.
- Temples: There were special 'Abhishekas' held for him at special temples like Guru Kottureshwara Swamy temple, where they would pray for a quicker resolution of his legal troubles.
Industry Reaction
Although the industry continues to be wary, some co-stars and directors posted on Twitter CDPs to mark the day. The silence at his RR Nagar compound is a stark contrast from previous years, but a rapid tide of virtual applause indicates one thing: that he’s not giving up, in terms of his biggest base of supporters, despite the seriousness of the accusations. As the day wears on everyone keeps their eye on Ballari Central Prison, where one of Sandalwood’s biggest stars looks back as he shares his 49th birthday in solitude.
