Malayalam actress Navya Nair recently faced an unexpected hurdle during her trip to Australia after being fined Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne International Airport for carrying jasmine flowers in her luggage. The actress, who had traveled to Melbourne to participate in Onam celebrations organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria, shared her experience at a public event, admitting that she unknowingly violated Australian biosecurity laws.

Navya revealed that her father had gifted her jasmine flowers before her journey, asking her to wear some during her flight from Kochi to Singapore and keep the rest in her handbag for her onward journey. However, upon arrival in Melbourne, customs officers discovered the 15-cm-long jasmine string in her carry bag. She was issued a fine of AUD 1,980 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) and informed that it had to be paid within 28 days.

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. A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional, Navya admitted.

Despite the incident, Navya did not let it affect her festive spirit. She went on to share glimpses of her Onam celebrations in Melbourne through social media, including a reel that captured her joyous moments. Just two days before traveling, she had also posted photos from inside her flight, where she was seen wearing a jasmine gajra in her hair.

The incident highlights the strict biosecurity regulations in Australia, where even small quantities of plant material are prohibited to prevent the risk of invasive species and agricultural threats. While jasmine is a beloved cultural symbol in South India, it is treated as a restricted item in Australia.

Navya’s candid acknowledgment of her mistake has drawn attention not only to her personal experience but also to the importance of being aware of international travel rules. For many fans, her story serves as a reminder that cultural practices cherished at home may sometimes clash with laws abroad.