Chennai: Days after veteran actor Radha filed a police complaint accusing her sister, actor Ambika, and their brother Mallikarjuna Kunjan Nair of cheque fraud, Ambika has publicly addressed the matter to present her side of the story. Strongly rejecting the allegations as false and fabricated, an emotional Ambika broke down during a press conference, expressing deep pain over being portrayed as a “thief” by her own sister.

The rift came to light after Radha lodged a formal complaint alleging that signed blank cheques were stolen from her residence and misused in an attempt to siphon off approximately ₹46 crore.


Ambika rejects fraud allegations

Addressing the media, Ambika questioned the feasibility of the claim, highlighting her sister’s meticulous nature regarding security. “Radha is a person who uses a special number lock even for her handbag. Then, when she goes to sleep, she keeps that bag in a cupboard and locks it again. It is unbelievable when such a vigilant person says she left signed cheques elsewhere,” she stated.

Ambika also expressed anguish over changes made to ARS Garden Studio, a joint enterprise built by the family. “When I saw the ARS Garden board being removed and another board being put up, I could not bear it. Everyone in Tamil cinema knows what ARS Garden means to me,” she said.

“The ‘A’ (for Ambika) in ARS Garden is gone. Why? Am I dead? No, I’m alive. Shouldn’t I have been told? She doesn’t even have that basic courtesy,” she added while fighting back tears.

 

Escalating family and property disputes

Ambika further alleged that the conflict originates from broader disagreements over ancestral property and assets, claiming that a significant quantity of her personal gold remains with Radha. “When I ask about the gold I deserve, she doesn’t give a proper reply. Radha has a special weakness for gold. It’s okay to take one’s mother’s or sister’s gold once in a while. But a large amount of my gold is still with her. If I try to speak directly about it, she won’t even pick up the phone,” Ambika alleged.

Supporting her claims, their brother Mallikarjuna noted, “It was decided to divide the properties equally when our mother was alive. Radha’s method is to say nothing when spoken to directly and then change her statement later.”

Reflecting on their journey, Ambika said on how family dynamics have deteriorated over time. “When we were struggling, I was the first stepping stone for the family. At one point, we believed that if there was family and a bond, we should do anything for the family. But things are not like that now. Everyone is living separately.”

Concluding her statement, Ambika asserted that she is the aggrieved party in the dispute. “I don’t know why Radha has filed a complaint against me. Looking at this, I find it strange because I am actually the one who was cheated. I should have been the one to give the complaint. It is okay. Someone may have advised Radha, and that is why she has given the complaint,” she said.


A legacy in south Indian cinema

Ambika and Radha were among the most prominent leading actors in South Indian cinema during the 1980s. Hailing from Kerala, both sisters delivered celebrated performances across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, starring alongside top icons of the industry.

Ambika’s acclaimed filmography includes classics such as ‘Neelathamara’, ‘Andha 7 Naatkal’, ‘Enkeyo Ketta Kural’, ‘Sakalakala Vallavan’, ‘Vazhvey Maayam’, ‘Rajavinte Makan’, ‘Irupatham Noottandu’, and ‘Kakothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal’.

Meanwhile, Radha achieved widespread acclaim for her roles in hits like ‘Alaigal Oivathillai’, ‘Tik Tik Tik’, ‘Oru Kaidhiyin Diary’, ‘Muthal Mariyathai’, ‘Irakal’ and ‘Kadhal Parisu’.