TV actor and Bigg Boss winner Shilpa Shinde has been making headlines after comments she made regarding her past allegations against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai producer Sanjay Kohli resurfaced online. The remarks sparked criticism from industry bodies, celebrities, social media users and men's rights activists, with several calling for action and demanding government intervention. Amid the backlash, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in the matter.
Reacting to this, filmmaker and FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit strongly condemned the revelation. The statement has reignited discussions about the impact of false allegations and their effect on genuine victims of harassment.
In an interview with Indian Express, Ashoke said, "If what Shilpa Shinde said in the podcast is true, it deserves strong condemnation. Sexual harassment is a very serious allegation, and using it as a weapon to settle personal or professional disputes is deeply wrong."
He added that the producer may have stayed silent to keep a show running and protect the livelihoods of an entire crew; this does not give a free pass to a false accuser, stating how false allegations can destroy a person's reputation, career, and mental well-being
Ashoke Pandit demands action and says, 'Not only shameful but completely unacceptable'
"What is even more worrying is that such actions make it harder for genuine victims to be believed. Every false accusation weakens trust in those who come forward with real experiences. If someone chose to damage another person's life and reputation for personal gain, it is not only shameful but completely unacceptable," said Ashoke.
Shilpa Shinde reacts after AICWA seeks action
Shilpa, unfazed by the ongoing controversy and continuing to defend herself, shared yet another cryptic post on her Instagram handle. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, June 6, she shared a reel of her photos with the message: "Be a woman, always ready to say jo ukhadna hai ukhad lo." In the caption, Shilpa wrote, "Jalne walo jalte raho apna khoon Kisi jarurat mand ko mat do jala Jala Ke khatam kar do."
However, she did not mention anyone's name, but the timing appears to be a befitting reply to netizens slamming her.
Following the revelation, Shilpa has been embroiled in a feud with Hina Khan after Hina took a dig at Shilpa.
Shilpa, in a new video, seemingly took aim at Hina's breast cancer diagnosis and her father's death and said, "Log mere naam par publicity gain karna kab band karenge pata nahi hai. Lekin chalti train mein mat chadhiye, aapko chot lagegi, hai na? Aap publicity gain karne ke liye, aap logon ke paas apni bimariyan hain, ghar ke logon ki jo death hui hai woh log hain, toh aapko Shilpa Shinde kyun chahiye, hai na? Aap already bahut publish ho."
Without taking Hina's name, she also slammed people for not supporting her nine years back. "Us waqt agar saath diya hota, toh aaj yeh naubat nahi aati. Nau saal ke baad humne kaam kar liya. Mujhe kisi ne nahi kaha bolo, lekin main ek ladki ke father aur ek aurat ke husband ke liye khadi hoon, kyunki maine jhooth bola tha. Main apne dil par jhooth lekar nahi jee sakti. Agar us waqt maine unhe arrest karwa diya hota, toh main aaj khud arrest ho jaati ki meri galti hai, mujhe de do. Lekin maine aisa kyun kiya? Saam, daam, dand, bhed padhiye. Agar nahi padha ho toh Mahabharat dekhiye."
Shilpa Shinde played the role of Angoori Bhabhi in the sitcom Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai. The show premiered in 2015 and made Shilpa an overnight sensation.
In March 2016, Shilpa abruptly quit the show and left her fans shocked. Back then, she accused the makers of mentally harassing her and claimed that she was being asked to sign an exclusivity contract that prevented her from doing other shows. She also alleged that the producers were trying to damage her career. The production house denied all allegations and accused her of breaching her contract and sent her a legal notice.
Amid the controversy, Shilpa accused producer Sanjay Kohli of sexual harassment and filed an FIR against him. She also raised concerns about her treatment on the set.
