After Akshay cancels 'Housefull 4' shooting, Sajid steps-down as director
What's the story
In the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against Sajid Khan, Akshay Kumar took a stand today and canceled the shooting of 'Housefull 4'. Soon after, Sajid took "moral responsibility" and stepped down as the movie's director. He requested "his friends in media" to refrain from passing judgment. Notably, Sajid was accused of sexually harassing three women in different incidents. Here's more.
'Housefull 4' shooting
Akshay cancels shoot for the first time ever
Reportedly, this is the first time Akshay has canceled a shoot in his decades-long career. He took this decision keeping in consideration the grave allegations leveled against both Sajid and Nana. While his decision is appreciated, one wonders why Akshay, known for raising social causes, was silent for so long about Bollywood's dark side. Social media pressure, much?
Details
Sajid is the new demon of Bollywood
Sajid's unmasking has given the #MeToo movement a horrifying turn. While we were still trying to get to terms with Alok Nath and Vikas Bahl's perversive acts, Sajid's antics have taken the narrative to another level. Three ladies have fearlessly shared their spine-chilling ordeal against Sajid, and his acts (if true) certainly make him the demon of Bollywood.
Saloni's statement
Allegation 1: Sajid asked me about masturbation, says Saloni Chopra
Saloni Chopra, who worked as Sajid's assistant director, narrated her ordeal and said how the director quizzed her about "breast job" and "masturbation". She even stated that Sajid abused her mentally and emotionally as he discussed his "sex life and physical needs" with her. "He'd go onto describe their sex life in ways I didn't need to know," Saloni said.
Twitter Post
Sajid has been exposed brutally and he deserves it
I finally decided to share my story with you. Writing this was like re-living all that horrible past I’d chosen to let go of, but I knew if I don’t today, I may never. So here’s #metoo #MetooIndia https://t.co/brouTYIBC7
— Saloni Chopra (@redheadchopra) October 11, 2018
Rachel's statement
Allegation 2: "Sajid asked me to strip in first meeting"
Actress Rachel White's experience was even more horrifying that happened when she met him for a movie role at his Juhu residence. She recalled how Sajid's gawking made her feel nude and wicked smile, uncomfortable. But that's not all. He went on to ask Rachel to strip and seduce him in five minutes to get the role in the movie.
Twitter Post
Why, Sajid, why?
I was in a white vest and blue denims and still felt I was standing nude with that gaze. What happens next is that he finishes his cardio and walks up to me asking me about my boobs and making that kind of conversation. I didn’t bother to answer to anything.
— Rachel White (@whitespeaking) October 11, 2018
Journalist's statement
Allegation 3: Sajid kissed me forcibly, says female journalist
In yet another incident, a female journalist has shared the traumatic ordeal of her first interview with Sajid in 2006. "Through the interview, he talked about how large his penis is & how he knew how to satisfy a woman," she said. He even kissed her forcibly and pushed his tongue down her throat. How disgusting can Sajid get?
Twitter Post
Sajid's perversive nature is extremely shameful
Sajid Khan has preyed on women in the industry for years. Here's my story. #MeToo pic.twitter.com/Rufzs9dsp6
— YellowGlassDragon (@karishmau) October 11, 2018