While Rajkumar Hirani has denied all sexual assault allegations; Dia Mirza, Vinta Nanda, Sharman Joshi and others from the industry have expressed shock
The #MeToo movement has unearthed another shocking name in its wake. One of Bollywood's most revered filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani is the latest celebrity to have been hit by its tide. The 'Munna Bhai' helmer has been accused of sexually harassing a woman, during the making of 'Sanju'.
After the accusation came to light on Sunday, Hirani issued a statement rubbishing the allegation.
“I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or any legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation,” Hirani said in a statement.
Here's how Bollywood celebs are reacting to the controversy:
1. Dia Mirza
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Popular actor Dia Mirza, who has collaborated with Hirani in super hit films like 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' and 'Sanju', was among the first few celebs who reacted to the entire controversy.
She told Pinkvilla that she is deeply distressed by the news. “I am deeply distressed by this news. As someone who has known Raju Sir for 15 years, I can only hope that a due official enquiry is conducted. He is one of the most decent human beings I have ever worked with and I think it would be grossly unjust on my part to speak on this as I do not know the details,” the actor said.
2. Vinta Nanda
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Vinta Nanda, who is herself battling a rape case against Alok Nath in the court, reacted to the allegations without taking any names.
She tweeted: “The latest on #MeToo is so disturbing. Who is it that women can trust? Can’t deal with these words anymore – “At the outset, our client states that the allegations made against him are false, mischievous, scandalous, motivated and defamatory.”
3. Sharman Joshi
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Sharman Joshi, who played Raju Rastogi in Hirani's '3 Idiots', hopes the phase the director is currently going through comes to an end soon. “Raju Sir, is a man of immense integrity, character, honour, compassion and truthfulness, all the virtues one would imagine are non existent in people today, someone I am absolutely inspired by and have learnt from and because of whom I believe I have gone onto being a better person.
“All I want to say is that this too shall pass and I can imagine how demeaning it might be to even stand up for yourself in a situation such as this,” the actor told PTI.
4. Amardeep Jha
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Veteran actor Amardeep Jha, who was seen playing Sharman Joshi’s mother in '3 Idiots' and Anushka Sharma’s mother in 'PK', told Bollywood Life, “I’m shocked. I cannot even believe this. He was a man whom I used to look up to. On the sets, he used to be like a walking angel. After hearing the news, I have lost my mental peace. This is something that will be running in my head for so long.”
“I cannot pass any judgement on the girl but I strongly believe he cannot do this. But I really hope and pray that whosoever is the innocent his/her truth should be out and should get justice,” I further added.
5. Arshad Warsi
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Arshad Warsi, who played the famous character of Circuit in the 'Munna Bhai' series, says that he cannot comment on the matter as it would not be right on his part to say something about a subject for which he has no proof or information.
Speaking to Times Now, Arshad said, "I will not be able to comment anything without any evidence, or proper investigation. But, Raju is a wonderful person. He's a thorough gentleman. So, for me it is a shocker."
6. Boney Kapoor
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"Raj Kumar Hirani is too good a man to do something like this," said Indian film producer Boney Kapoor while reacting on recent sexual harassment allegations levelled against the Bollywood director. "I don't believe this allegation. He can never do something like this," Kapoor asserted.
