Bad planets scare star

Ganesh, Kannada industry's hottest actor, has gone into hiding, fearing a malevolent astro forecast

An astrological prediction has scared movie star Ganesh so much he is refusing to step out of his house. The biggest draw of the Kannada film industry, who reportedly earns Rs 1 crore a film, has called off all shootings, outings and public events on his astrologer's advice.

Ganesh sticks to his house

A source close to Ganesh said he would make a public appearance after May 27.u00a0

"Ganesh sticks to his house near Nagarbhavi," said a source close to his family. "He has been advised to do so for two months, from March till May."

Last seen

The platinum jubilee of the Kannada cinema industry was the last time Ganesh was seen in public. Four ambitious movies are being made with Ganesh in the lead. His film Mungaaru Male (Monsoon showers) is the biggest hit in the Kannada film industry, and is said to have grossed Rs 50 crore on an investment of just Rs 2 crore.

"We wanted him to be the chief guest of our forth anniversary celebrations on May 22. But he said he couldn't make it," said M R Nandeesh, manager, Garuda Mall. "He also said he could come any day after May 27."

His recent movies Sangama, Bombaat and Circus have done poor to average business, prompting him to consult an astrologer. Planet Jupiter, believed to bring good luck, has moved away, and that is said to be the reason for his bad luck. Ganesh has stopped answering calls, including those from close friends. "But he calls back after seeing our missed call," said Manjunath H, one of Ganesh's friends.

What the numbers say
A numerologist predicts good times for Ganesh, born on July 2, 1977, from July 12.

"His will be half as lucky as in the past. He will recover after July but he won't do as well as he did in 2006,"
said Basavaraj, who bases his predictions on hisclients' date of birth.