The Bengali actor demands that Ranjith must own up to his mistake; says she'd file a complaint if someone helps her with the legal proceedings.
Published Aug 24, 2024 | 3:53 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2024 | 3:53 PM
Malayalam fillmmakers Aashiq Abu and Sandra Thomas support Sreelekha Mitra. (Supplied)
Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra has stood firm on her allegations that Malayalam director Ranjith misbehaved with her in the past and also demanded that he must own up to his mistake.
Responding to Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan’s remarks that action can only be taken if an official complaint is filed against Ranjith, Sreelekha Mitra told the media on Saturday, 24 August, that she can’t file a complaint in Kerala since she lives in West Bengal now.
“I can go ahead with the complaint if someone is willing to help me with the legal proceedings,” she added.
On Friday, the Bengal-based actor made some shocking revelations against filmmaker and Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith.
She alleged that after inviting her to audition for a role in the Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, the director touched her arm in a manner that felt inappropriate.
Sreelekha Mitra said he toyed with her bangles and stroked her hair. When he attempted to touch her neck, she left the room. The next day, the actor was told that she wouldn’t be part of the movie.
Sreelekha Mitra clarified that there was no sexual assault but Ranjith’s behaviour gave the impression that such an intention might have been there.
Meanwhile, Ranjith reacted to the allegations stating that Sreelekha Mitra auditioned for a role in Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha but was refused the part as she was not an apt choice.
Further, he denied having misbehaved with her in any manner.
Following Sreelekha Mitra’s allegations, filmmaker Aashiq Abu and producer Sandra Thomas sought legal action against director Ranjith.
Aashiq Abu criticised Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan’s stance on the issue.
Saji Cheriyan, on Saturday morning, backed Ranjith by saying it was “not right to penalise an acclaimed director like Ranjith based on allegations alone”.
Aashiq Abu stated that he was unable to comprehend Minister Saji Cheriyan’s stand on the Justice Hema Commission Report and Sreelekha Mitra’s allegations of misbehaviour against Ranjith.
“The Minister’s stand is purely against the policies and ideologies of the Left. He is trying to protect the hunter by standing with Ranjith in the incident. I am registering my protest here.”
Meanwhile, producer Sandra Thomas demanded Saji Cheriyan’s resignation with immediate effect for supporting Ranjith instead of taking serious note of Sreelekha Mitra’s accusations.
In her Facebook post, she said it’s unbecoming of the Minister to protect Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairperson Ranjith in this incident. “This is reprehensible and an insult to the cultural sector of Kerala. Given the serious allegations, Ranjith must resign from the post of Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairperson or the government must expel him.”
Sandra Thomas further added, “The Cultural Affairs Minister’s approach exposes his misogynic attitude. He, too, must resign for trying to protect Ranjith, who tried to sexually exploit an actress.”
Meanwhile, the Kerala Women’s Commission Chief P Sathidevi said they will investigate such issues, even if the allegations are made solely through the media. “Even individuals in the highest positions will be held accountable by the law,” she assured.
When asked whether the Kerala government would request Ranjith to step down from his role as Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman, she said the final decision lies with the government. Further, she opined that the individual should step down in such cases.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
