Since the revelations of the Justice Hema Committee Report, many actors from the Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu film industries have come forward with distressing accounts of sexual harassment. Recently, actress Shilpa Shinde added her voice to these stories, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a Hindi filmmaker during the early days of her career. ALSO READ: Maafiagiri Chal Rahi Hai: Shilpa Shinde Bashes CINTAA For 'Controlling' TV Actors, Here's What She Has To Say!
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Shilpa shared that, in her early career, she was once asked to seduce a filmmaker under the pretence of an audition. She explained that she was very naive at the time, which led her to agree to the scene without fully understanding the implications. However, when the situation took a darker turn, Shilpa quickly realized the filmmaker was attempting to take advantage of her and managed to escape. ALSO READ: DID YOU KNOW Shilpa Shinde’s Family Was Against Becoming An Actress And Entering The Entertainment Industry? Here’s WHAT We Know
She recounted, “It was around 1998-99, during my struggling days. I cannot take names, but they told me, ‘Wear these clothes and do this scene.’ I didn’t wear those clothes. In the scene, he told me he was my boss, and I had to seduce him. I was innocent then, so I did the scene. That person tried to force himself on me. I got so scared, pushed him away, and ran out.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Shilpa chose not to reveal the name of the producer. She explained that he was a well-known figure in the Hindi film industry and was also an actor, which made her initially trust him. However, she refrained from naming him publicly, fearing the impact it might have on his family. “I’m not lying, but I cannot take his name. His children are probably younger than me, and they would suffer if I revealed his identity.”
Shilpa also shared an encounter with the same filmmaker years later. She recalled how he failed to recognize her and even offered her a role in one of his films. She declined the offer, reflecting on how he seemed unaware of the harm he had caused. The actress, best known for her role in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! and as a former winner of Bigg Boss, added that such incidents are not isolated in the entertainment industry. She mentioned that several actors have confided in her about similar experiences, with some being harassed by well-known figures.
Shilpa emphasized that while harassment is rampant, individuals do have the choice to say no. “When people talk about sexual harassment, I strongly believe that yes, you may have been approached, but you also have the choice to say no. This happens to everyone, but it’s important to choose not to be part of it,” she concluded, shedding light on the difficult reality many face in the industry.
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