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Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
How #MeToo accused Sajid Khan's rehabilitation exposes Bollywood's deep rot with sexual misconduct cases
Dubai: What shocks me today is not that Bollywood filmmaker Sajid Khan has once again been accused of inappropriate sexual conduct — it's how effortlessly this alleged serial offender, like many others before him, has been rehabilitated without accountability. Earlier this week, Indian television actress Navina Bole, known for Ishqbaaaz and Miley Jab Hum Tum, came forward with fresh allegations against Sajid. She recounted a deeply uncomfortable encounter from the mid-2000s, where Khan allegedly asked her to "take off her clothes and sit in lingerie" during a professional meeting at his home. Bole said she managed to leave but was subjected to persistent calls afterward. These allegations add to the already grim record Khan carries. Back in 2018, when India's #MeToo movement was peaking, no fewer than eight women — aspiring actresses, assistants, and a journalist — accused him of sexual harassment, ranging from inappropriate comments to graphic misconduct. Although Khan denied the allegations, he was suspended for a year by the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association and stepped down from directing Housefull 4. Yet by October 1, 2022, Khan had made a full-fledged comeback. He entered the Bigg Boss 16 house — India's most popular reality show — during its season premiere, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. He stayed on air for more than 100 days, voluntarily exiting in January 2023, citing "professional commitments." The outrage here isn't just about the fresh allegations against Sajid. It's about how a serial offender like him is being seemingly systematically rehabilitated without any accountability in Bollywood — and how that is somehow considered "normal." Why is this okay? Where is the outrage from industry insiders who claim to champion change? Why are women who risked their careers and reputations to speak out treated as collateral damage? And it's not just Sajid Khan. National Award-winning director of Queen fame Vikas Bahl, accused of serious misconduct during the #MeToo wave, has returned to directing major films like Goodbye and Ganapath, barely missing a step. Others too, quietly slip back into projects, as if the allegations never existed. Bollywood, it seems, has decided that the passage of time is sufficient penance — no apology, no public reckoning needed. Meanwhile, survivors continue to struggle. One of Sajid Khan's accusers had even posted a gut-wrenching Instagram story after his Bigg Boss appearance in Salman Khan-hosted show "If you really give a [expletive], ask yourself why you're watching." She added that if the industry truly cared, they would hire the survivors, not the men they exposed. Contrast this with what is happening in Malayalam cinema. In my interview with acclaimed actress and activist Parvathy Thiruvothu, co-founder of the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), she pointed out that at least some sense of fear and reflection has entered the Kerala film industry. "There's a realisation that people can no longer brush things under the carpet, and that realisation has created an environment of caution," while also acknowledging that a lot of work still needs to be done. Following the release of the explosive Hema Committee findings earlier this year — which exposed rampant sexual harassment and misconduct in Kerala's film industry — survivors began publicly naming their alleged abusers. The aftermath included the dissolution of film body AMMA's leadership, including superstar Mohanlal's resignation, and the Kerala government's growing intent to tackle these issues legally. Parvathy did not mince words when addressing the superficial gestures made by some in power. "Resigning at such an incredibly revelatory stage and behaving as if it's a noble move fell really short," she said. She emphasised that the solution lies not in performative actions, but in true structural reform and tangible support for survivors. Meanwhile, Bollywood seems determined to pretend that nothing happened. The industry appears more invested in rehabilitating accused men than in offering justice to the women who risked everything to speak up. When someone like Sajid Khan, Farah Khan's brother, is handed a national platform without having to address credible allegations, it sends a devastating message to every woman in the industry — and beyond. Silence is complicity. Viewership is complicity. The Malayalam film industry, though imperfect, is at least attempting to reckon with its issues. Bollywood, on the other hand, seems to believe that the status quo is just fine.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Television actress Navina Bole accuses Sajid Khan of inappropriate behaviour
Television actress Navina Bole, known for her role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah , has publicly accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment. In a recent interview, Bole recounted a traumatic experience from over a decade ago when Khan allegedly asked her to strip during an audition. Speaking with Subhojit Ghosh, Bole recalled the incident that took place around 2004-2006. She explained, "There was a terrible, terrible man... he just really pushed the envelope when it came to disrespecting women," referring to Khan. Bole claimed that Khan called her to his home, not his office, for what she thought was a professional meeting. However, during the meeting, Khan allegedly asked her to "take off her clothes and sit in your lingerie." Bole expressed discomfort with the request, saying, "I really need to go home and get into a bikini if that is what you really want to see, but I cannot be sitting here and strip right now." Despite her discomfort, Bole managed to leave the situation, and Khan reportedly called her several times afterward, asking why she wasn't returning. She also revealed that a year later, Khan contacted her again, offering her a role and seemingly forgetting their previous encounter. Bole said, 'This guy must be hitting on so many women that he does not even remember that one year ago he had called me to his place and he has already hit on me so badly." These recent allegations are part of a larger pattern of accusations against Sajid Khan that first came to light during India's #MeToo movement in 2018. Several women, including actress Saloni Chopra and journalist Karishma Upadhyay, have accused Khan of harassment. In response to the allegations, Khan stepped down from directing Housefull 4 and was suspended by the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) for one year after an investigation.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Release of Fawad Khan's film 'Abir Gulaal' uncertain
Fawad Khan NEW DELHI: The highly anticipated release of 'Abir Gulaal', marking the return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Indian cinema , has been thrown into jeopardy following the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people has reignited public anger and sparked renewed demands for a boycott of Pakistani talent in Indian films. Information and broadcasting ministry sources have indicated that govt may not permit the film's release, reflecting a hardened stance amid escalating tensions. The backlash has also spilled over into the entertainment industry, with several theatre owners and film distributors expressing reluctance to screen the film, fearing public unrest and possible protests. This is not the first time Khan has faced controversy over cross-border tensions. In 2016, after the Uri attack, Karan Johar 's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' - which also featured Khan - faced intense backlash, prompting the director to issue a public apology and commit to refraining from casting Pakistani actors. 'Abir Gulaal' was scheduled for release on May 9. However, its theatrical debut in India now appears increasingly uncertain. On social media, calls for a ban on the film gained traction, with hashtags such as #BoycottAbirGulaal trending. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Indian Film and Television Directors' Association president Ashoke Pandit condemned the timing of the film's release. "This was an act of war. National interest must come before artistic collaboration," he said, downplaying arguments around creative freedom. BN Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees, said the film would not be allowed to screen in India. "If makers proceed, we will take action," he said.
Gulf Today
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Actress Ameesha Patel defends Pak star Fawad Khan over his new Bollywood film
Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel has come out in support of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, stressing that India's rich cultural heritage doesn't discriminate against art based on nationality. Addressing the ongoing debate, Ameesha highlighted that the country has always celebrated talent, regardless of its origin, and that art transcends borders. When asked about Fawad's comeback in Bollywood facing opposition, Patel told IANS, "I used to like Fawad Khan before also. We welcome every actor and every musician. This is the culture of India. So art is art; I don't differentiate. International artists are welcome; all around the world, artists are welcome. In any field, painters, musicians, actors, directors, anything.' Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's return to Indian cinema in the upcoming romantic comedy "Abir Gulaal' has ignited significant political and industry controversy, reigniting ongoing tensions over the involvement of Pakistani artists in Bollywood. Veteran filmmaker and President of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), Ashoke Pandit had earlier strongly opposed Fawad's casting. Pandit stated, "The entire nation will react" to the actor's comeback, expressing his disappointment with the Indian film industry for continuing to collaborate with Pakistani artists despite an unofficial ban. Ashoke Pandit told IANS, "It's a matter of insensitivity towards our national interests. This decision reflects a disregard for the gravity of the situation. Some individuals believe they are above such matters, as if these issues don't affect them. "Many argue that art transcends national boundaries, but I challenge that notion. Let me ask you this – out of all the attacks on our country, where have we seen any Pakistani artist or public figure condemn these acts? Not a single one has publicly denounced the brutal attacks carried out against our soldiers, innocent civilians, or our country. "If you believe you are above national sentiment, then it's essential that there be consequences. And I assure you, the entire nation will react to this film. I am confident that there will be widespread protests, with people taking to the streets to express their disapproval,' he added. After the teaser for the film was dropped on April 1, it sparked controversy. Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) quickly voiced its objection to the film's release in Maharashtra. Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, "Abir Gulaal' also stars Vaani Kapoor and is slated to hit theatres on May 9, 2025. Indo-Asian News Service
