"I told him that I was not comfortable."
For many years, Sharad Kapoor has been a known face in Bollywood.
But behind the glamour of the Hindi film industry lies many uncomfortable hidden truths.
In 2018, the MeToo movement kicked off in Bollywood when Tanushree Dutta accused the veteran actor Nana Patekar of molesting her.
Since then, many women from the industry have come forward to allege and detail their stories of being sexually abused.
An unnamed 32-year-old woman recently alleged that Sharad Kapoor sexually harassed her.
The woman said that the actor had invited her to his house to discuss professional matters.
She explained that she had met Sharad through Facebook, and they had engaged in a video call.
Following this, Sharad Kapoor told her to come to his office.
But upon arriving at the location, the woman discovered that it was his house.
The woman stated that a man opened the door, and Sharad called her from inside, telling her to come to his bedroom.
The woman said: “When I reached his bedroom door, I saw he was completely naked.
“I stepped back and asked him to wear clothes.
“I told him that I was not comfortable talking with him as he was undressed.
“But he insisted that I go inside and said, ‘Please come and hug me and kiss me’.
“I refused.”
The woman added that Sharad “hugged” and “groped” her, forcing her to run away.
After the woman left the house, Sharad allegedly sent her an obscene WhatsApp message.
Police officials added: “Upon arrival, she claimed Kapoor was inappropriately dressed and attempted to assault her.
“Following the incident, she received obscene messages from Kapoor, including a voice note that further distressed her.
“The victim has sought legal action against him, highlighting the need for accountability in the entertainment industry.”
The woman’s friend proceeded to inform the police in Khar and lodged a complaint against Sharad.
An FIR has been registered against Sharad under Section 74 (Assault or use of criminal force against a woman).
He has also been charged with sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of any woman.
In an interview, Sharad denied the allegations, stating: “I did not know when the case was filed against me.
“I had just returned from New York. The police contacted me, but right now, I am in Kolkata.
“The incident did not occur. How can I take anyone’s name forcefully?”
Meanwhile, on the work front, Sharad Kapoor will next be seen in No Means No.
In his career, he has appeared in classics including Josh (2000), LOC Kargil (2003), and Lakshya (2004).
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