Following the revelations of the Justice Hema Committee Report, a wave of disturbing allegations of sexual assault and harassment has swept through the South Indian film industries. Bollywood has had its Me Too Movement in the past, where several actresses came forward with their experiences, starting with Tanushree Dutta. Now, television actress Shilpa Shinde has added her voice to the chorus of victims, claiming she was sexually harassed by a Hindi filmmaker during the early stages of her career. In an interview with News18, Shilpa Shinde shared details of the horrifying incident, claiming that she was 'very innocent' during that time. Nivin Pauly Sexual Assault Case: ‘Premam’ Fame Actor Denies Rape Allegations; Netizens Say, ‘We All Believe You’.

Shilpa Shilpa claimed that a filmmaker had once asked her to perform a sexually suggestive scene under the guise of an audition. Despite her naivety at the time, she revealed that she recognised the producer's inappropriate advances and managed to escape the situation before it escalated further. Her revelation sheds light on the dark underbelly of the industry and highlights the challenges faced by aspiring actors.

“It was during my struggling days, around 1998-99. I cannot take names, but they told me, aap yeh kapde pehno aur yeh scene karo (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 very innocent then, so I did the scene. That person tried to force himself on me, and I got so scared. I pushed him away and ran out. The security staff realised what had happened and asked me to leave immediately. They thought I would make a scene and call for help,” Shilpa Shinde revealed in the interview.

The Bigg Boss 11 winner mentioned that she chose to keep the producer's identity anonymous, citing concerns for his children. She explained that she agreed to perform the scene because the producer was also an actor, and that she was unaware of his intentions. “After a few years, I met him again, and he spoke to me kindly. He didn’t recognise me and even offered me a film role. I refused. He still doesn’t remember me," she added. Actors Mukesh and Edavela Babu Granted Anticipatory Bail Amid Sexual Assault Accusations in Malayalam Film Industry.

Shilpa Shinde concluded her interview by emphasising an important message about sexual abuse in the entertainment industry. She stated, "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. You can choose not to be part of it. This happens to everyone.”

Shilpa Shinde, a renowned television actress, is best known for her portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in the popular sitcom Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! She rose to greater fame after winning the Salman Khan-hosted show Bigg Boss 11 in 2017. Currently, Shilpa Shinde is showcasing her adventurous side as a contestant on the thrilling stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, hosted by Rohit Shetty.

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 Sep 06, 2024 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).