KOCHI: Actress
Navya Nair was fined a hefty sum for carrying jasmine flowers at the Melbourne International Airport while attending the Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association in Victoria on Thiruvonam day, Friday.
She shared the experience during a public event she attended afterward.
The fine amounted to Rs 1 lakh.
The actress was found carrying a 15-centimetre jasmine garland, “which my father bought for me."
Admitting she was unaware of the rule, she said, “Ignorance is no excuse.”
She was fined 1,980 Australian dollars (around Rs 1.14 lakh).
On Sunday, the actress shared more moments from her flight to Australia, playfully trolling herself over the fine that followed.
Navya Nair, a two-time winner of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, began her film career with Sibi Malayil’s Ishtam in 2001.
Over the years, she has earned acclaim for her roles in a wide range of films, including Nandanam, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Kunjikoonan, Kalyanaraman, Vellithira, Ammakilikkoodu, Gramophone, Pattanathil Sundaran Drishya 2, Oruthee, and Janaki Jaane and more, spanning Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada cinema.
Regulations are designed to safeguard Australia from biosecurity threatsThe Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry states that international travellers may bring fresh-cut flowers and foliage only if they declare them upon arrival.
Biosecurity officers will inspect the items for pests and diseases.
The department cautions that failing to declare plant material on the Incoming Passenger Card can lead to fines of up to AUD 6,600, potential criminal charges, or even visa cancellation.
These rules aim to protect Australia’s agriculture from potential biosecurity risks.
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