New Delhi |  Sept 08, 2025

Malayalam actress Navya Nair was fined Rs 1.14 lakh (AUD 1,980) at Melbourne International Airport after being found carrying jasmine flowers, an item restricted under Australia’s strict biosecurity laws. The incident occurred during her visit to Australia to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria.

The Incident at Melbourne Airport

Navya recounted the experience at a public event, explaining that her father had bought the jasmine gajra for her before she left Kochi. “He divided it into two parts—one to wear during my journey from Kochi to Singapore, and the other to keep in my handbag for later. I unknowingly carried the second one with me to Melbourne,” she said.

Upon arrival in Melbourne, customs officials discovered the 15-cm string of jasmine in her handbag. She was informed that even unintentional violations of biosecurity regulations attract heavy fines. “What I did was against the law. Though it was a mistake made unknowingly, ignorance cannot be an excuse. They asked me to pay AUD 1,980 within 28 days,” Navya admitted.

Her Response

Despite the setback, the actress remained cheerful and went ahead with her Onam celebrations in Australia. She even shared a reel of the festivities on Instagram, showing that her festive spirit remained intact.

Two days prior to the incident, Navya had shared photos from her flight to Melbourne, wearing jasmine in her hair. She captioned the pictures: “Happy Onam. First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu, carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work calls—and that too is another happiness. Onboard Singapore Airlines… Melbourne, here I come!”

Career Background

Navya Nair, a two-time Kerala State Film Award winner for Best Actress, made her debut in Sibi Malayil’s Ishtam (2001). Over the years, she has won acclaim for her performances in films such as Nandanam, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Kunjikoonan, Kalyanaraman, Vellithira, Ammakilikkoodu, Gramophone, Pattanathil Sundaran, Jalolsavam, Chathikkatha Chanthu, Azhagiya Theeye, Pandippada, Saira, and Kanne Madanguka.

Known for her versatility across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, Navya’s body of work continues to resonate with audiences. The Melbourne episode, though an unfortunate misstep, has not diminished her goodwill among fans, who admired her honesty in acknowledging the mistake.

 Navya Nair Fined ₹1.14 Lakh in Australia

Malayalam actress Navya Nair was fined Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne Airport for carrying a jasmine gajra during her visit to Australia for Onam celebrations. Officials flagged the flowers under Australia’s strict biosecurity laws. Navya explained that her father had given her the jasmine before her journey, and she unknowingly carried part of it in her handbag. She admitted the mistake publicly, saying “ignorance is no excuse,” as the fine must be paid within 28 days. Despite the setback, Navya joined the festivities and shared glimpses of her Onam celebrations in Melbourne with her fans.