Newlyweds Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan caught in controversy over Tirupati visit
What's the story
Celebrity couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan tied the knot on Thursday in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
However, soon after their dreamy wedding, the newlyweds have found themselves mired in controversy.
They visited the revered Tirupati temple on Friday to participate in the Kalyanotsavam of Lord Venkateswara.
However, Nayanthara has drawn the temple authorities' ire by allegedly wearing footwear inside, which directly flouts the temple's rules.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan are one of Kollywood's most popular couples and regularly grab headlines.
Before getting hitched in an intimate ceremony on Thursday, the couple had a rock-solid relationship that spanned six years.
Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth were amongst the guests.
Notably, the Tirumala temple in Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage destination and several celebrities are spotted at the devotional site regularly.
Details
'She was seen roaming in footwear, conducted a photoshoot': Official
Several photos of the power couple surfaced online that showed Nayanthara glowing in a yellow saree while Shivan donned a traditional mundu.
Narasimha Kishore, Chief Vigilance Security Officer, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, said, "Nayanthara was seen roaming with footwear in Mada Streets. Our security immediately reacted."
Kishore also blamed the star couple for conducting a photoshoot inside the premises which broke another rule.
Action
Authorities to send legal notice despite apology
Kishore has decided to send a legal notice the couple's way soon.
"We are serving notices to Nayanthara. We have also spoken to her and she wanted to release a video to the press apologizing to Lord Balaji, TTD, and pilgrims."
Despite this, the temple authorities will reportedly be proceeding with legal action.
Meanwhile, Shivan has apologized on behalf of both.
Apology
'We failed to noticed that we were wearing shoes'
The 36-year-old director said in his apology statement, "We quickly finished the photo shoot and got out of there as the fans would surround us."
"In the ensuing commotion, we failed to notice that we were walking with shoes in the area where it was forbidden to wear shoes."
Shivan apologized for the "inconvenience caused" and clarified that the couple was ardent devotees.
Updates
Couple hosted lunch for thousands across Tamil Nadu
Although the legal proceedings may have cast a gloomy shadow, the couple is being praised for making the public a part of their wedding celebrations.
The duo organized lunch for thousands of needy people in orphanages and old-age homes in Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, and Salem.
On Saturday, the lovebirds also attended a press meet and thanked the media for their blessings.