It’s a quid pro quo which still exists in Bollywood. With the 2004 rape case against director Madhur Bhandarkar in court now, the debauched ways of the film industry is back into the limelight. Recently Ranveer Singh of ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ fame stunned the industry by admitting that the casting couch is a part of the industry. Whether it’s sexual favour or sexual harassment, Bollywood has rocked from time to time under these accusations. While it is difficult to ascertain how much truth lies in the accusations, it’s worth our while to take a look at a brief history of controversies that have been in news.
Madhur Bhandarkar- Preeti Jain: In July 2004, Preeti Jain was the lead story in all newspapers when she accused Madhur Bhandarkar of rape. She alleged that Madhur forced her to sleep with him from 1999-2004 and had promised her a role in his films. However, in September 2005, the police arrested Preeti for reportedly hiring a contract killer to murder the director. The case is up for hearing now.
Shiney Ahuja: Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment by a fast track sessions court in Mumbai for raping his domestic help in 2009. During the trial, the victim had turned hostile and claimed she was not raped. But the court convicted Shiney, relying on the circumstantial evidence. He was later released on bail and his appeal against the conviction is pending in Bombay High Court.
Dibakar Banerjee- Payal Rohatgi: Small-time item girl Payal Rohatgi hit headlines with her allegations against noted director Dibakar Banerjee. Payal had alleged that the director asked for a sexual favor in return for a role in his upcoming film ‘Shanghai’. Dibakar flatly denied the allegation and said that it was Payal who used to call him up and ask for career
Shakti Kapoor: Shakti Kapoor was caught on camera asking for sexual favours to an undercover journalist.A visibly drunk Kapoor was seen proposing the girl of a career in films in exchange of sexual favors. He also went ahead and cited examples of top female actors of Bollywood who had gone through it. In his defence, the actor claimed that he is "Only human".
Rakhi Sawant- Mika Singh: In June 2006, the item girl marched to Oshiwara police station and filed a complaint against Bollywood playback singer Mika Singh. The police registered a case against him under sections 354, 323 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for eve-teasing and physical assault. “He not only kissed my lips but also bit them twice. My earring broke in the tussle,” Rakhi had said. The two have now patched up.
Sonu Nigam- Subhash K Jha: The Bollywood playback singer had to bear the brunt of negative publicity when he rejected a well-known journalist’s sexual advances.In an open letter to the media, Sonu Nigam had indicted Subhash K Jha, of harassing him sexually and sending lewd texts. Sonu also claimed that the journo tried to play even by tarnishing his image in media.
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