Navya Nair Fined Over ₹1 Lakh in Australia for Carrying Jasmine Flowers: What Really Happened
It was supposed to be a festive journey for Malayalam actress Navya Nair, but it turned into an expensive lesson in Australia’s strict airport regulations. The actress, who had flown to Melbourne to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria, was fined 1,980 Australian dollars (around ₹1.14 lakh) for carrying jasmine flowers in her handbag.
A Festive Tradition That Backfired
For women in South India, adorning the hair with jasmine flowers is a cherished tradition. Navya too carried a jasmine string, gifted by her father, as part of her festive attire.
Sharing the incident later at the Onam event, Navya explained:
“Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts—one for me to wear in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, and the other to keep in my handbag for the onward journey. I unknowingly broke the law. For carrying a 15 cm jasmine string, the officials fined me AUD 1,980. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days.”
Though she admitted her mistake, she clarified it wasn’t intentional. Laughing off the situation, she joked that she had landed in Australia with “jasmine worth more than a lakh rupees.”
Why Jasmine is Banned in Australia
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Flowers, plants, and seeds are on the prohibited list because they may carry pests, fungi, or bacteria that could harm the country’s fragile ecosystems and agriculture.
Even small amounts—like Navya’s 15 cm garland—are treated seriously. Authorities enforce these rules without exception, as invasive species could cause massive ecological and economic damage. This is why travelers must declare all plant or food items upon arrival.
Navya’s Festive Spirit Remained Intact
Despite the hefty fine, Navya didn’t let the episode dull her festive mood. She participated in the Onam celebrations with enthusiasm and even shared a reel from the event, dressed in traditional attire and radiating joy.
Just before her trip, she had also posted a picture from her flight, wearing jasmine in her hair, captioning it:
“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. Onboard Singapore Airlines… Melbourne, here I come!”
About Navya Nair
Navya Nair is one of Malayalam cinema’s most loved actresses. A two-time Kerala State Film Award winner, she made her acting debut in Ishtam (2001) and later starred in memorable films such as Nandanam, Kalyanaraman, Kunjikoonan, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Gramophone, and Pandippada. She has also acted in Tamil and Kannada films, earning acclaim across South Indian cinema.
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