Renowned Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has been accused of sexual assault by actress Payal Ghosh, and the his fraternity and the internet have differing opinions over the matter.
The lawyer of Anurag, Priyanka Khimani has issued a press statement on his client’s behalf that was also shared on the filmmaker’s social media accounts. The statement completely denies Ghosh’s allegations and label them as fake and dishonest.
And here is the statement from my lawyer @PriyankaKhimani .. on my behalf .. thank You pic.twitter.com/0eXwNnK5ZI
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) September 20, 2020
Taking to Twitter, actress Kangana Ranaut who is quite active on social media these days, showed support for Payal, claiming that it is a norm in Bollywood to treat newcomer girls with no backing, like sex workers. She even shed some insight about Anurag’s character as not being ‘monogamous’.
I far as I know Anurag self admittedly has never been monogamous even when he was married to various people, what Anurag did to Payal is a common practice in Bullywood, treating struggling outsider girls like sex workers comes naturally to them #AnuragKashyap #PayalGhosh https://t.co/d07hF40FIe
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 20, 2020
Although many believe Anurag is guilty, others have come out to openly support the filmmaker on social media. Actresses who have previously worked with the director like Taapsee Pannu and Mahie Gill have strongly condemned the allegations made by Payal and are supporting the director.
For you, my friend , are the biggest feminist I know.
See you on the sets soon of yet another piece of art that shows how powerful and significant women are in the world you create 🙂 🤗 https://t.co/M9AgMDHTPH— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) September 20, 2020
Now, other actresses have joined too like Anjana Sukhani, Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla and late Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan’s son Babil have also spoken up in support of Anurag Kashyap.
Anjana Sukhani took to Twitter and posted that there is no way Anurag can do such an act with a woman.
There is no way he would misbehave or harrass women …no way @anuragkashyap72
— anjana sukhani (@anjanasukhani) September 20, 2020
Radhika Apte used her Instagram to show her support, claiming that there is mutual respect among the two and described him as her close and trusted friend, in the presence of whom she felt secure. The Sacred Games actress wrote:
“Anurag Kashyap you have been one of my closest friends, you have inspired me and always supported me. You have always treated me as an equal and I cherish the mutual love and respect we have for each other. I have always felt immensely secure in your presence since the day I’ve known you. You have been and always will be.”
Meanwhile, Surveen Chawla shared a couple of tweets, in which she shared her support and dismissed the allegations.
Let them creep
Let them crawl
U my friend
As always stand tall
These false flag bearers of feminism….
Opportunism???
They dont honour men like u,
For their lack of knowledge in knowing know who u really are,
And claims they make,that are just so bizarre!@anuragkashyap72— Surveen (@SurveenChawla) September 20, 2020
Ur life,ur work and the women u create with ur craft…speak volumes about u.I have the priveledge to know the real feminist in u,
I take the honour my friend to stand for u! @anuragkashyap72— Surveen (@SurveenChawla) September 20, 2020
Read: Nana Patekar gets clean chit in sexual harassment case filed by Tanushree Dutta
Anurag’s former wife, Kalki Koechlin also wrote a note for him and posted on her social media.
ट्रोल्स tho ट्रॉल करेंगें pic.twitter.com/tMl7GlRU6o
— Kalki केकला (@kalkikanmani) September 21, 2020
On another front, Richa Chadha has issued a legal notice to Payal Ghosh for dragging her name in these #MeToo allegations. Payal dragged the name of Huma Qureshi, Richa Chadha and Mahie Gill.
Like the celebrities, the opinions of netizens differ in this matter too, with many asking to take strict action against Anurag, while others are coming in support of the filmmaker.
One user, Gaurav Mishra, shared his thoughts on the harsh reality of Bollywood.
Reality of bullywood?
Shameful @anuragkashyap72 #AnuragKashyap
I hope other woman from the industry will expose this man irrespective of ideological or political differences!
Thank you!pic.twitter.com/W80jjJLkzg
— Gaurav Mishra (@Imkgauravmishra) September 19, 2020
And, an account titled Insaaf Ke Sipahi cited another inappropriate action by the filmmaker.
And this is the same #AnuragKashyap who has been smashing patriarchy since 2 weeks. Today, he got accused by Payal Ghosh in #MeToo case. This is what he had done in 2015 before getting exposed in 2018.
But he is ‘Woke’! pic.twitter.com/k5erCnSZTH— Insaaf Ke Sipahi (@Insaaf_KeSipahi) September 19, 2020
While Pranav Kashyap is demanding immediate action against Anurag.
Arrest this r@pist @anuragkashyap72 immediately. #ArrestAnuragKashyap #AnuragKashyap pic.twitter.com/yUfaIh7oF1
— Pranav Kashyap (@27pranavkashyap) September 20, 2020
Another netizen, Rahul Easwar is showing support for the filmmaker.
Tomorrow it could be an allegation against you, your father, brother or son.
Anyone can raise an allegation in media instead of going to police.
Right Wing Dharmiks need to support #IStandwithAnuragKashyap bcoz the #MeToo movement can be misused by anyone against everyone pic.twitter.com/DLJNguso3g
— Rahul Easwar (@RahulEaswar) September 20, 2020
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