#MeToo Movement: Sheena Bajaj Stands by Her Father After Sonal Vengurlekar Accuses Him of Sexual Misconduct

Ever since the Bollywood actress initiated the #MeToo movement, several women opened up about the gut-wrenching experience of sexual abuse and assault they had been subject to at work, naming their alleged perpetrator. The latest celebrity, who came forward to share her ordeal, was small screen actress Sonal Vengurlekar. The actress, who was last seen in Saam Daam Dand Bhed, shared her horrifying sexual harassment encounter. She told the media that she was sexually harassed by photographer and casting director Raja Bajaj when she was just 19. She had said that Raja Bajaj tried to forcibly remove her clothes, claiming that he could teach her tantrik vidya. However, Bajaj's daughter Sheena Bajaj has denied the allegations and said told a leading entertainment website India Forums that Sonal is blackmailing her father. #MeToo Movement: Dalip Tahil Records Actress’ Consent Before Shooting Rape Scene

In a statement, Sheena said, "It's a false allegation, absolutely false. Sonal is just blackmailing my father for money. She was someone who at that time had just entered the industry to pursue her career and earn money. If my Dad has done something wrong, then she should have gone to the police and complained about that first, rather than calling my mother and narrating the entire incident to her. She first demanded 5 Lakhs and then reduced the amount."

She went on to say, "My point is that if something wrong happened to you, why will you demand money. Then she asked for 3 Lakh and then claimed 1.5 Lakh. And when Dad refused to give money and told her to complain, she then went to the police station. Still, she is asking for money and telling us that she will withdraw the case if we give her money," further adding that, "I agree with this movement. Almost 80% of the cases are right. But what about the rest 20% people who just do this to gain fame? And when the incident happened nobody saw there were a lot of people. All of them heard incident no one saw it."

While #MeToo movement is making the right noise across the nation, it has also created a sense of fear amongst men. Ever since prominent names have been named and shamed, celebrities are making sure that precautionary measures are being taken so as to avoid any controversy. Recently, veteran actor Dalip Tahil, who is working on Sudhir Mishra's upcoming directorial, has been offered a role where the actor has to do a rape scene. The actor agreed to do the scene only on one condition and which is to give him a written consent, stating that she is comfortable shooting the rape scene and is doing so without any pressure.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2018 09:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).