After the release of the recent Hema Committee Report, Bengali actress, Sreelekha Mitra raised serious accusations against Malayalam filmmaker and Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman, Ranjith. The actress accused Ranjit of touching her inappropriately during the making of the film, Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha.
Sreelekha’s accusations have sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. Talking to Asianet News, Sreelekha revealed her ordeal and shared that when she landed in Kochi for the shoot of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, she was asked to meet filmmaker, Ranjit. Narrating the incident, Sreelekha revealed that upon arrival, she saw Ranjit on a phone call with a cinematographer she had worked with earlier.
When Ranjit handed over the call to Sreelekha, she moved to a quieter place to talk to the cinematographer. While she was on call, Ranjit started touching her inappropriately. As per her, he first began to play with her bangles, then touched her neck and caressed her hair. Traumatised by the sexual harassment, she left the room immediately.
After the incident, Sreelekha went to her room and locked it. The actress further said she was so tensed after the incident that she blocked the door of her room with a chair and other furniture. She booked a flight the next morning at her own expense and flew back. In her words:
“I was waiting for the daylight to break in and run away. I felt distressed and fearful to stay in the hotel. I left on a flight the next day at my own expense.”
On the other hand, filmmaker, Ranjit reacted to the actress’ accusations and denied them. Calling himself a victim in the whole controversy, Ranjit stated that he is ready to face legal proceedings as he is not a culprit. Elaborating his side of the story, Ranjit said:
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“It is true that she came to my apartment in Kochi as she was being considered for one of the roles in Paleri Manikyam. Filmmaker Shankar Ramakrishnan as well as my assistants were present at the flat during the time. Mr. Ramakrishnan narrated the story and I spoke with her on the balcony, but the incident that she alleges has not taken place. We found her unsuitable for that particular role. The next day, Mr. Ramakrishnan called her up and informed the same. Here, I am the victim and she is the hunter. If she pursues legal action, I will face it the same way.”
What do you think about Sreelekha’s serious accusations on Ranjit? Let us know.
Also Read: Tanushree Dutta On Traumatic Experience Of Working With Vivek Agnihotri, 'Short Skirt Mein Mujhe...'
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