#MeToo: Rajkumar Hirani Accused, 'Munna Bhai 3' On Hold?

In light of the ongoing MeToo movement, another case has come to light. Yes, Nana Patekar was unexpected initially but Rajkumar Hirani is a blow as he is among the most loved and respected directors that Indian cinema has. He was recently accused of sexual harassment by an assistant director.

According to reports, the women mentioned that Hirani sexually abused her a number of times between March and September 2018. This took place during the post-production of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Sanju'. The woman sent an email marking Anupama Chopra, Abhijat Joshi, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and more.

This is what the email read:

'I remember forming these words on my lips “Sir. This is wrong...Because of this power structure. You being the absolute power and me being a mere assistant, a nobody - I will never be able to express myself to you. My mind, body and heart were grossly violated that night and for the next 6 months. I had no choice but to be polite to him. It was unbearable but the reason I endured it all until I couldn’t, was because I didn’t want my job to be taken away from me, and work to be questioned. Ever. I was worried that if I left midway, it would be impossible to find another job in this industry if he were to speak badly about my work. Because if Hirani said I wasn’t good, everybody would listen. My future would be in jeopardy.'

Read More:What Is MeToo Movement And What Took Women So Long To Open Up?

After a host of reactions on Twitter by media and twitterati, writer-producer Vinta Nanda too took to her social media handle.

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,"

— Vinta Nanda (@vintananda) January 13, 2019

Although Hirani has dismissed and denied these claims, Anupama Chopra has come out in support of the woman. She reportedly mentioned in an email:

'I’ve met the complainant twice. Both times, I have offered my full support and recommended that she take the complaint to a legal body or a neutral party since we cannot be arbitrators or judges on this. We also offered to set up an ICC at VCF. She stayed at our house for two nights. We also provided the number of an expert on the issue so she could talk to a professional. She said she needed time to think through how she will take it forward. I did not want in any way to pressurise her or steer her in any direction. As Vinod and I told her then, she has our full support and we are fully respectful of whatever decision she has taken.'

Reportedly, due to these allegations, Vinod Chopra Films has decided to drop Rajkumar Hirani Films from their upcoming film ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’, and the highly anticipated film ‘Munna Bhai 3’ has also been put on hold.

According to reports Fox Star India, which has a three-film deal with VC Films, it will break the partnership if the studio continues to collaborate with Rajkumar Hirani Films. Therefore, ‘Munna Bhai 3’, which is currently in its pre-production stage, will be put on hold till Hirani is given a clean chit.

Read More:Dealing With Harassment At Workplace In The #MeToo Era

The #Metoo movement which started in the US and had the Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein shamed and blacklisted for sexual misconduct but actresses and models there. Ittook momentum when former actress Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment, on September 27, 2018. The accusation by Dutta stirred a row of accusations from many women in industries including media and politics. In October 2018, the Minister of state for External Affairs, MJ Akbar was also accused of sexual harassment by several female colleagues through the 'Me Too' Movement in India. Former music director Anu Malik was also suspended from the jury panel of Indian Idol 2018, after facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment made through the movement.

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