Last week, actor Vijay Raaz was accused of molestation by a female crew member of their upcoming film Sherni. The shoot of the film starring Vidya Balan had resumed a few days back in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) after the long break owing to the pandemic. The cast and crew of the film was staying at a hotel in Gondia, a few kilometres away from the shooting location. Vijay Raaz was arrested by the Gondia police late night on November 2 and was released on conditional bail by a local court the next afternoon. Right after the incident, the actor returned to Mumbai as he received an email dated November 3, 2020, from the film’s makers Abundantia Entertainment Pvt Ltd, stating his temporary suspension from the film due to the complaint received. The producers have even set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to probe the molestation allegations against Raaz.

So far, Raaz hasn’t commented on the matter, but when Bombay Times reached out to him, after much deliberation, he opened up on the allegations against him. He said, “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.”

We reached out to a unit member who was apparently present during the shoot at all times, but she refused to divulge details saying that the matter was sub judice. She briefly said, “We have said what we had to say. Everything has been told to the police. Law will take its course and people should get justice irrespective of their gender.”

According to sources, the complainant has reported in her FIR that she felt uncomfortable on various occasions between October 25 and 29. The source also added that Raaz putting his hand around her shoulder and touching her hair didn’t go down well with her and when he was informed of her discomfort, he immediately apologised.

Raaz added, “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.”