Kochi: Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi has publicly addressed ongoing rumours linking him to drug use within the film industry, dismissing the claims as baseless and personally distressing.

In a candid interview with Cue Studio, Bhasi stated that it would be practically impossible to work in front of the camera while under the influence of drugs. He also alleged that the negative rumours were being fuelled by individuals without regular work and by producers who still owe him payment.

"Those without jobs are the ones spreading these stories about me," Bhasi said. "If someone were truly under the influence, I doubt they could even stand in front of a camera, let alone act. I normally don't react to or entertain such claims, but they are quite disheartening. These drug-related accusations affect me deeply on a personal level. People assume I'm an easy target, but I'm not running a drug business. I believe most people have the wisdom to see the truth."

Responding to criticisms about punctuality on film sets, Bhasi rejected the notion that he habitually arrived late.

"I don’t think I’ve ever been the first to delay a shoot. If someone is constantly late, they wouldn’t be able to work in this industry. I don't let public opinions dictate my career. If you're not professional, you won't last. Ironically, it’s often those who owe me money who are behind these stories. I try to ignore unnecessary criticism and instead focus on constructive feedback."

Bhasi also spoke about the transformative impact of Manjummel Boys, a film that resonated strongly with audiences and brought a significant turnaround in his personal and professional life.

"It changed everything for me. At the time, I was under bans and facing numerous challenges. It truly felt like I had fallen into a pit, and Manjummel Boys helped lift me out," he shared.