Vaishnavi Gowda on her engagement rumours: We are calling this off

The internet was abuzz recently when a picture of actress and Bigg Boss contestant Vaishnavi Gowda, in what looked like an intimate engagement ceremony, went viral. 

In the picture, Vaishnavi can be seen dressed in a traditional saree, with a garland around her neck. Seen standing next to her is Bengaluru-based businessman and Viraaj actor Vidhyabharana, who also has a garland around his neck. They are flanked by what seems to be their family. Retired police officer Shankar Bidari is seen standing beside Vidhyabharana.

Netizens instantly began congratulating Vaishnavi and Vidhyabharana for getting engaged, but Vaishnavi had clarified with Public TV that she was not engaged yet. The picture was taken when Vidhyabharana and his family had visited Vaishnavi as a result of an arranged match. 

"I have not agreed to get married yet. Since he is someone that my family has picked, I need time to get to know him before agreeing to get married," Vaishnavi had told Public TV.

Now, Vaishnavi has now taken to her Instagram page, through her stories, to lay all the engagement rumours to rest. In her first story, Vaishnavi posted the viral picture and said that she has been seeing the picture everywhere. She clarified that it was not an engagement and asked everyone to respect her privacy. Her story read, "Have been seeing this every where! I would request everyone to respect our privacy.. this is not an 'engagement' Will keep you posted if anything happens 🙏 (sic)"

Around 11 hours later, Vaishnavi uploaded another story with the same viral picture, but with the update that she and Vidhyabharana had called things off. Her story read, "We are calling this off ! Please I would request the media and everyone not to drag this any further! Rest things right here ! Thank you for everyone who wished me well :) (sic)"

Vaishnavi became popular for her role Sannidhi from the hit Kannada series, Agnisakshi. She then went on to star in films like Bharjari Comedy and Bahukrita Vesham. She was also a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 8.