Film-maker Rajkumar Hirani accused of sexual assault

Hirani has denied the allegations, which were detailed in an email to ‘Sanju’ co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Rajkumar Hirani, known for directing Sanju, PK, 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai films, has been accused of sexual assault, Huffington Post India reported.

The victim is a woman who worked with the director on Sanjay Dutt's biopic. Hirani allegedly sexually assaulted her in the period between March and September 2018, according to the report.

PHOTO: DNA INDIA

The allegations were made through an email addressed to producer and a regular collaborator of Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Film critic Anupama Chopra, screenwriter Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu Vinod’s sister Shelly Chopra were also marked in the email dated November 3, 2018, the publication reports.

The woman said Hirani first made a sexually suggestive remark on April 9, 2018 and then assaulted her.

The email sent by the woman 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.”

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

The email continues, “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,” the woman told HuffPost India. “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,” the woman said. “Because if Hirani said I wasn’t good, everybody would listen. My future would be in jeopardy.”

PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS

Hirani has responded to the allegations.

In a statement, the film-maker said, “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 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.”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.