Two people, including a Kannada film junior artiste, were arrested on Thursday for allegedly trying to use counterfeit currency with face value of Rs 42,000 near Bengaluru, police said.

"We have seized 21 counterfeit currency notes of Rs 2,000 from them," Nelamangala sub-division Deputy Superintendent of Police A.B. Rajendra Kumar told reporters.

The arrests were made in Dabaspet, which is 72 km from Bengaluru.

The police have identified the accused as Jayamma, 41, a junior artiste of Kannada films, and Govinda, 35, an autorickshaw driver.

"We are investigating the case. We suspect the main accused has escaped. We have launched a manhunt," Kumar said.

According to police, Jayamma and Govinda tried to use a fake Rs 2,000 note at a clothing store.

"The shopkeeper got suspicious on the veracity of the currency note given to him by Jayamma. He returned it and took back the clothes from her," the DSP said.

Later, the two tried to use the fake note at a bakery but four youths, who were following them, informed the police.

"They are in police custody. We will produce them in court tomorrow," he said.

A case has been registered at Dabaspet police station against the accused under Section 489 of the Indian Penal Code.