Malayalam actress Navya Nair faced an unexpected fine of Rs 1.14 lakh (AUD 1,980) at Melbourne International Airport in Australia for carrying jasmine flowers in her handbag. The incident occurred while she was traveling to attend Onam celebrations organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria.

Nair revealed the incident at a public event, explaining that her father had lovingly packed two strands of jasmine for her journey. She wore one from Kochi to Singapore, and kept the other in her handbag to wear later. However, she was unaware of the strict regulations regarding bringing plants, flowers, and seeds into Australia. According to the Australian Border Force, these items are labeled "Don't bring".

Upon arrival in Melbourne, authorities discovered the 15-centimeter strand of jasmine and issued the fine. Nair acknowledged her mistake, stating, "What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. Ignorance is no excuse". She added that officials informed her that the fine must be paid within 28 days.

Despite the hefty fine, Nair has maintained a lighthearted attitude about the incident. She shared a video collage on Instagram of herself with the jasmine garland, joking, "A show-off right before paying the fine".

The incident serves as a reminder for travelers to be aware of theBiosecurity import conditions of different countries. Regulations regarding food, plant material, and other organic items are often in place to protect local ecosystems and prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Nair's experience highlights the importance of checking these rules before traveling, even for seemingly harmless items like flowers.

Nair, a two-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, made her acting debut in 2001. She has since starred in numerous films across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada languages, including notable performances in movies like "Nandanam", "Mazhathullikkilukkam", and "Drishya". Her recent work includes the drama film "Janaki Jaane".