Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has cancelled today’s shoot of the upcoming comedy, Housefull 4, after sexual harassment allegations against its producer Sajid Khan and co-star Nana Patekar.
India's Me Too movement has exposed many big personalities from the entertainment industry. The latest one in the long list of sexual offenders is the Housefull director Sajid Khan. Due to this, Akshay Kumar had to cancel Friday’s shoot of the film, Housefull 4.
After sexual harassment allegations against its producer Sajid were brought to light by three women on Thursday night, Hindustan Times broke the news that Akshay cancelled the shoot of the movie.
A source close to the production house told HT that the decision had come post all the allegations that pointed toward Sajid and Nana.
"Akshay is known to be a disciplinarian and has never cancelled a shoot in his 28-year long career. This is the first time that he has decided to cancel a shoot, perhaps because the #metoo movement just cannot be ignored. The allegations made against Sajid Khan and Nana Patekar are both serious and grave in nature," a source told the newspaper.
Later, the Akshay and his wife Twinkle Khanna confirmed the same on Twitter.
Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in Housefull needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on.
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones)Akshay has made it clear to the producers and has put his foot down that he will not work with the accused until investigations are over since the accusations are very serious and grave in nature.
Multiple reports and sources suggest that Sajid is likely to step down as the film’s director.
Sajid was first accused of sexual misconduct in a chilling post on Twitter, shared by his former assistant director Saloni Chopra. Later, on the same platform, journalist Karishma Upadhyay too narrated her tale of harassment by Sajid, who flashed his penis at her during the course of an interview.
Another actress and model, Rachel White also shared her interaction with Sajid Khan. She said that she was called by the director to his house and although she was uncomfortable, she went because he told her he lives with his mother.
At his home, Sajid allegedly asked her to strip as he wanted to see how she looks in a bikini. He told her if “she could seduce him in five minutes”, the role was hers.
Sajid is the brother of choreographer-director Farah Khan, and director of films such as Humshakals, Housefull, Himmatwala and Heyy Baby. Following the allegations, Sajid Khan stepped down as the director of Housefull 4 on 12 October.
Sajid Nadiadwala is producing Housefull 4, which is the fourth installment of rom-com Housefull, and 70% of the shooting of the film is already completed in London and Jaisalmer.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.