South Indian actress Padmapriya Tuesday apologised to dubbing artistes in Kerala following their protests over her comment that she was ashamed of having her voice dubbed for Malayalam films.

"My statement to a TV channel was never meant to hurt them. I respect every human being's emotions. I apologise if my statement hurt the dubbing artistes," Padmapriya told reporters here.

Padmapriya was forced to hold a press conference after the Association of Dubbing Artistes decided Monday to boycott the actress in future.

Association general-secretary Bhagyalekshmi said Padmapriya's statement "hurt" the artistes, who said they would boycott the actress unless she rendered a public apology.

In hit film "Karuthapakshigal", which got Padmapriya a few awards, she did not have to use a dubbing artiste as she played a Tamilian and could say her own dialogues.

"Voice is an important aspect for an actress and I am now learning Malayalam. As soon as possible, I will dub for my own films. As an actress I feel incomplete when someone else dubs for me," the actress said.

Padmapriya, who is a rising star in Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada films, has acted with ace superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi in Kerala.