Telugu actor Ram Pothineni fined Rs 200 for smoking in public place

Tollywood star Ram Pothineni has been fined for smoking in a ‘no-smoking’ area. The young actor a known face in Telugu industry had to pay a fine of Rs. 200 to the Hyderabad police for allegedly smoking near the historic Charminar. Ram was shooting for his upcoming film ‘iSmart Shankar’ when the incident took place.

As reported by a source to Zee News,  Ram Pothineni, who has acted in several Telugu films, was “found smoking” at the venue of the shooting for his upcoming film ‘iSmart Shankar’ during a break. A challan for a spot fine of Rs 200 was served on the actor and the film’s production manager later paid the fine.

Smoking in public place was banned under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003. The Hyderabad Police had earlier this year launched a drive against smoking in public places and had been issuing challans against those found violating the rule.

‘iSmart Shankar’ is being directed by Puri Jagganadh and features Ram Pothineni, Nabha Natesh and Nidhi Agerwal in leading roles. The movie also features Brahmanandam, Rao Ramesh, Tanikella Bharani and Pavithra Lokesh among others in supporting roles. Ram’s look in the film has been unveiled and the star is seen sporting a spikey hairdo with beard along with a jeans, a shirt and wielding a gun.

The shooting for the film began in January this year and the third schedule is presently underway. The team completed the second schedule in Goa and returned to Hyderabad where the third schedule went on to the floors.

Also Read: Ram Pothineni’s iSmart Shankar release date finally out