Popular Malayalam actress Navya Nair recently faced a hefty penalty while travelling to Australia for Onam celebrations. Upon landing at Melbourne International Airport, authorities fined her AUD 1,980 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) for unknowingly bringing a jasmine flower string in her handbag, a violation of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws.

Australia enforces rigorous import restrictions to protect its environment and agricultural industries from foreign pests and diseases. Fresh flowers, including jasmine, are allowed entry only if declared upon arrival and cleared by biosecurity officers. Failure to declare such items can result in fines as high as AUD 6,600, legal action, or even visa cancellation.

Navya, who travelled to participate in an Onam event organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria, spoke about the incident during a public appearance. She recalled that her father had prepared the jasmine garlands before her departure from Kochi.

“Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag,” she explained.

Jasmine Costs Navya Rs 1.14 Lakh

The floral string, just 15 centimetres long, was found during baggage screening. Although it was carried with sentimental intent, it breached Australia’s border protection regulations.

“What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980 (Rs 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days,” Navya admitted.

Despite the unexpected penalty, the actress maintained a cheerful attitude and took the incident in good humour. She later posted a reel on Instagram featuring the jasmine gajra and herself, captioned with a cheeky note in Malayalam: “The drama just before paying the fine!!!”

Just prior to her journey, Navya had shared photos from the flight wearing the gajra. In the post, she wrote, “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!”

Australia Flags Flower Garland Rules

This experience serves as a reminder for international travellers about the importance of being aware of local laws. Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reiterates that all plant materials including decorative items like flower garlands must be declared at the border, regardless of size or cultural significance.

Navya Nair, a two-time Kerala State Film Award winner, is best known for her roles in acclaimed Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada films. Since her 2001 debut in Ishtam directed by Sibi Malayil, she has appeared in celebrated movies such as Nandanam, Kunjikoonan, Jalolsavam, Chathikkatha Chanthu, Saira, Drishya 2, Oruthee, and Janaki Jaane.

Even with the incident at the airport, Navya’s enthusiasm for Onam remained undiminished, as she joined the Malayali community in Victoria for the celebrations with her usual grace and festive spirit.