Bollywood actor Vijay Raaz was arrested on November 2 by Gondia Police for allegedly molesting a female crew member on the sets of Sherni in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. He was reportedly taken to the Ramnagar Police Station where he was later granted bail. On November 6, it was reported that the producer of Sherni, Vikram Malhotra, and director Amit Masurkar set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to investigate the matter. After days of maintaining silence, Vijay finally came out in the open to put forth his side of the story. During an interview with a leading daily, the veteran actor said he is shocked to know that his services from his upcoming films have been terminated before the investigation. Saying that he is ready for interrogation but isn't okay with the fact that people have pronounced him guilty before probing.
"Women’s safety is of prime concern. I have a 21-year-old daughter, so I understand the gravity of the situation. I am all for an investigation by the authorities. However, to ostracise me, suspend and terminate my services from my forthcoming films even before any sort of investigation, is shocking. I have no words to express. It’s a very dangerous place to be in. I have been working in the film industry for 23 years! Bohot mehnat se maine apna career banaya hai. Tinka tinka jodke maine apna ghar banaya hai. Anybody can sabotage anyone’s career? Kisine bol diya aur aapne maan liya that I am a harasser? People are bound to make judgements without hearing the other side of the story. No matter what the outcome of this case, aap pe ek thappa lag jaata hai. I have been pronounced guilty even before the investigation. My right to earn a livelihood is badly affected. Am I not the victim here? My old father who lives in Delhi, also has to face the society and so does my young daughter," Vijay told.
The leading daily further mentioned that a source close to Sherni told that the complainant, in her FIR, stated that she felt uncomfortable on multiple occasions between October 25 and 29. It is also stated that the female crew member experienced discomfort when Vijaj put his hand around her shoulder and touched her hair. When she told him about it, he apologised immediately.
Vijay added that jumping to conclusions without verifying the claims can damage his image and career. "I have been working with the same crew for over a year. We play cricket on set. It’s how we are with each other. Yet, when I was told she felt uncomfortable, I apologised. This was in front of the entire crew. My apology meant I respect your feelings. But it didn’t mean that I acknowledged the claims made later at the police station. Saying sorry doesn’t always mean that you are wrong. It means you respect someone’s feelings more. I also have responsibilities and I need a job. Mere itney saalon ki mehnat can go down the drain if people jump to conclusions without verifying the claims. This should not be one-sided. Truth prevails but the damage is done," he said.
(Source: Times Of India)
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