Darshan's Birthday Marked By Vijayalakshmi's Message As Actor Remains In Jail In The Renukaswamy Murder Case

Vijayalakshmi Wishes Darshan on His Birthday: Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa turned 48 on Monday, marking his birthday under different circumstances this year. He is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.

On the occasion, his wife Vijayalakshmi shared a birthday message on social media, drawing attention from fans and members of the film fraternity. She posted what appears to be an earlier photograph featuring Darshan and their son Vineesh, with three birthday cakes placed in front of them. One of the cakes featured an elephant motif, an animal the actor is known to be fond of, while the other cakes carried the messages "Happy Birthday" and "Love." In her note, Vijayalakshmi wrote, "To the man who is celebrated every day, happiest birthday."

In previous years, Darshan's birthday was celebrated with fans, colleagues and family members. This year, the circumstances are different as the actor remains in custody. According to reports, Vijayalakshmi was expected to visit a temple to offer prayers and may seek permission to meet him in prison, in accordance with regulations that restrict the number of visitors.

From Arrest to Bail Cancellation

Darshan was arrested in June 2024 in Mysuru in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a medical shop employee from Chitradurga. The case alleges that the victim was assaulted in a shed in Pattanagere and later succumbed to injuries. The body was discovered a day after the incident. Darshan, along with several others, was named in the First Information Report. Actress Pavithra Gowda was also cited as an accused in the case.

The actor was granted interim bail in October 2024, followed by regular bail from the Karnataka High Court in December 2024. However, in August 2025, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, citing serious legal flaws in the grant of bail, and directed that Darshan be taken back into custody. The court also instructed that the trial be conducted expeditiously. He has since remained in custody and is awaiting trial.

Darshan was last seen on screen in The Devil, released in December 2025. As the legal process continues, the actor's birthday this year was largely marked through social media messages.