Guwahati, April 25: Chayanika Kashyap, a young actress and Bihu dancer from central Assam's Nagaon district, today sent a written apology to Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani for reportedly saying the Bihu Samragyi honour is manipulated.

The organisation had threatened her with legal action earlier.

Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani, which is said to be the first to stage Bihu programmes in Assam, gives away the Bihu Samragyi honour - considered the most prestigious in the state. It holds its programmes and contests at Latasil playground here.

Talking to the media this afternoon, Sanmilani president Kailash Sharma said Chayanika made the comment at a Bihu function at Puranigudam in central Assam's Nagaon district last night. "The comment is highly condemnable and shameful. Going above all controversies, Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani has been working since its inception in 1952 to promote the artistes of the state and to take Bihu to the world. It was a Bihu sanmilani started by some of the illustrious people of the state," Sharma said. "After our news conference, Chayanika's mother called us up, stating that she was sorry for her daughter's comments. Later, we got an apology letter from Chayanika requesting us to end the controversy. So, we have decided to forgive her," Sharma said.

Sharma said they had consulted lawyers this morning regarding possible legal actions against the actress. "Chayanika's comment is not only an insult to the organisers but for the people and artistes of the state. Yesterday she alleged that the Bihu Samragyi competition last year was held among only three participants. It is wrong. Altogether 12 dancers were in the list of contestants, of which only nine participated," Sharma said.

The Sanmilani introduced the Bihu Samragyi award in 1986. A dancer who wins the award is not allowed to participate in any Bihu competition across the state with the argument that as she has been proved to be the best it would be unfair to compete with others.

The Sanminali also instituted two awards, Bihu Kuwori in 1971 and Bihu Rani in 1978.

Sharma also dismissed the allegation that the number of participants is dwindling in the Bihu Samragyi competition. He said as only the top dancers are allowed to compete, the number of contestants is naturally low.