A Jasmine Garland, A Huge Fine: Why Actor Navya Nair Paid ₹1.15 Lakh in Australia

Melbourne, September 5, 2025 – Popular Malayalam actor Navya Nair faced an unexpected shock at Melbourne International Airport when she was fined nearly ₹1.15 lakh (AUD 1,980). The reason was not drugs, weapons, or gold, but something as innocent as a 15-centimetre jasmine gajra (a small string of jasmine flowers). The incident, though surprising, highlights how serious Australia is about protecting its borders and environment.

A Flower That Became Too Costly

Navya Nair was traveling from Kochi to Melbourne via Singapore. She was invited to attend Onam celebrations hosted by the Malayali Association of Victoria. Like many Malayali women, she wanted to carry a small piece of home with her—a jasmine garland.

Her father had split a long garland into two. Navya wore one half during the first leg of the journey from Kochi to Singapore. The second piece, around 15 cm in length, was carefully kept inside her handbag. She wanted to use it later for the Onam function in Melbourne.

However, when she landed in Australia, things took a dramatic turn. At the customs checkpoint, officials checked her bag and found the flowers. To Navya’s surprise, she was told that carrying fresh jasmine without declaration was a serious violation of Australian law.

Why Jasmine Is a Problem in Australia

At first glance, it may seem strange. How can a tiny garland of flowers cause such an issue? But Australia has its own reasons.

Being an island nation, Australia has a very delicate ecosystem. It is free from many plant diseases and pests that affect other parts of the world. The government wants to keep it that way. Even a single flower or plant could bring in an unseen insect, seed, or fungus. If such pests spread, they could damage farms, crops, or native plants.

That is why Australia follows strict rules under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Fresh flowers, fruits, seeds, or meat cannot be brought in freely. Every passenger must declare such items on the Incoming Passenger Card. Customs officers then check the items, and only after inspection can they be allowed.

If a traveler does not declare them, they face heavy penalties. In Navya’s case, the undeclared jasmine led to an on-the-spot fine of AUD 1,980.

Navya’s Reaction: “Ignorance Is No Excuse”

Navya admitted that she had no idea the small jasmine string could cause such trouble. She explained that it was carried unknowingly and only for cultural reasons. Still, she accepted that she had broken the rules.

She told the media, “Ignorance is no excuse… A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional.” The officials informed her that she must pay the fine within 28 days.

Navya, however, did not let the situation bring her down. She even joked about it on social media. In one video, she was seen wearing the jasmine in her hair and captioned it, “A show-off right before paying the fine.” Her light-hearted attitude won appreciation from fans.

Why This Became a Talking Point

For many Indians, especially Malayalis and Tamils, jasmine flowers are more than decoration. They are part of daily culture and festivals. Women often wear them in their hair during functions, weddings, and celebrations like Onam. Carrying a gajra abroad is common for many, as it reminds them of home.

But Navya’s case showed how cultural practices can sometimes clash with the rules of another country. What is normal in Kerala or Tamil Nadu may be risky in Australia.

How Strict Are Australia’s Biosecurity Laws?

Australia is known as one of the toughest countries in the world when it comes to biosecurity. Here are some facts that show why Navya’s fine is not unusual:

• On-the-spot fines for undeclared plant or animal material start at AUD 1,980 (~₹1.15 lakh).
• Fines can go up to AUD 6,600 (~₹3.8 lakh) in serious cases.
• Repeat offenders or serious breaches can even face criminal charges or visa cancellation.
• Items like fresh flowers, fruits, seeds, eggs, honey, and meat are all considered high-risk.
• Even a single apple or boiled egg has caused travelers to be fined in the past.

This system may sound harsh, but Australians believe it is essential to protect their farms and biodiversity.

A Lesson for Travelers

Navya’s experience serves as a lesson for every international traveler. Before flying to another country, it is important to:

1. Check the list of banned items on the official customs or biosecurity website.
2. Declare everything on the passenger card, even if you are unsure.
3. Remember that “not knowing the law” will not be accepted as an excuse.
4. Understand that even small, personal, or cultural items can be risky abroad.

In Navya’s case, the jasmine string was meant only for wearing at a festival. But in Australia’s eyes, it was an undeclared biological material.

About Navya Nair

Navya Nair, born Dhanya Veena in October 1985, is a well-known actor in Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. She made her debut in 2001 and soon won the hearts of audiences with films like Nandanam. She is a two-time Kerala State Film Award winner and has acted in more than 50 films. Recently, she appeared in Oruthee and Janaki Jaane.

Her down-to-earth nature and humorous response to this incident have further increased her popularity. Fans praised her for admitting her mistake openly instead of blaming others.

Final Thoughts

What began as a simple attempt to carry a piece of tradition turned into a costly mistake. Navya Nair’s fine of ₹1.15 lakh for a 15-cm jasmine garland may sound unbelievable, but it is a reminder of how seriously countries like Australia take their biosecurity.

Her story is not just about a celebrity. It is a warning for all travelers. In international journeys, rules are often stronger than sentiments. Whether it is a flower, fruit, or sweet from home, always declare it—or better, leave it behind.

After all, a small jasmine string may bring joy in Kerala, but in Australia, it can cost you a fortune.