Pony Varma says Gauri Lankesh’s murder strengthened Prakash Raj’s resolve

Actor Prakash Raj’s wife, Pony Varma, says he lost work over his political views.

She said the 2017 murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, a close friend of more than 35 years, deeply affected him.

Lankesh was shot outside her home in Bengaluru.

After her death, Raj decided he would keep speaking out, Varma said, despite her fears for his safety.

His political positions have cost him film roles and advertising work, she said, including films that people reportedly withdrew from after paying advances.

Raj has also faced bans from working in the Telugu film industry, according to Varma.

He continues to stand by his convictions, which he says are rooted in concerns such as access to hospitals and schools.

The accounts do not describe any specific next step.