Actor-politician Mukesh is facing multiple sexual harassment allegations with a sessions court in Kerala even halting his arrest when the cases were filed against him. Mukesh has been among the few male celebrities in Malayalam cinema caught in the renewed #MeToo movement spurred by the disclosure of the Justice Hema Committee report that detailed the sexual misconduct faced by the actresses within the Malayalam film industry and the bullying of a powerful male lobby within the industry. Mukesh Sexual Assault Case: Protests Erupt Outside Kerala CM’s Residence After Court Stays Actor-MLA’s Arrest.

As Mukesh - also an MLA in the ruling CPI (M) party in Kerala - is reigning over the headlines for all wrong reasons, an old interview of his ex-wife, actress and dubbing artiste Saritha is going viral. In the interview, Saritha details her harrowing experience of being married to Mukesh and alleged how he used to be an abusive husband. She tearfully recalls an incident of domestic violence, how he once kicked her in the stomach when she was pregnant with their child, and a few other instances where he kept bullying and taunting her.

Watch Viral Clip of Saritha's Old Interview Here:

Watch the Whole Interview Here:

In response to this interview, Mukesh had given a counter one in December 23 to Manorama Online during the promotions of his movie, Phillip's. He had said, Not once have I made any derogatory remarks about them. I faced a lot of pressure to say something... I genuinely appreciate both women because making such a decision and being content with it is commendable. Instead of desperately holding on and trying to harm me, there was none of that. If you don't allow your wife, close friend, or even children the freedom to make such decisions, what would happen to their lives? What would become of my life? I don't hold a grudge against them for this. If I've talked about them in any interview, it has been only in appreciation." FIR Registered Against Actor and MLA Mukesh M Following Sexual Harassment Complaint by Actress Minu Muneer.

Watch the Interview Here:

Mukesh and Saritha's Broken Marriage History

As per reports, Mukesh and Saritha had fallen in love while they were shooting for the 1987 film PC 369, where they were paired romantically with each other. They got married in 1988. It was the second marriage for Saritha, who was earlier married to Venkata Subbiah in 1975, the marriage lasting only a year. Mukesh and Saritha had two sons - Shravan and Tejas.

The couple separated in 2011 after their marriage soured over the years, with Saritha accusing Mukesh of being an abusive husband. Two years later, Mukesh married Methil Devika, a classical dancer, but even that marriage didn't work out, as the couple filed for divorce in 2021. Saritha never married again.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline –112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women/ Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/ 1291; Missing Child and Women – 1094.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2024 04:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).