Artist alleges molestation near 'Housefull 4' sets

Agencies
October 27, 2018

Mumbai, Oct 27: A 26-year-old junior artist has alleged that she was molested near the sets of 'Housefull 4' film here, police said on Friday.

The alleged incident occurred Thursday night at Chitrakoot Studio at Amboli in western suburbs, where shooting of the Hindi film is going on, an official said.

Two persons came to the spot and allegedly started manhandling the victim's male friend over some previous enmity, he said, quoting the complaint filed by the artist.

The duo, according to the woman, pushed and "touched her inappropriately" when she tried to intervene, the official said.

She approached the Amboli police station and lodged a complaint, he said, adding that an offence of molestation has been registered against the accused, who have been identified.

The alleged incident took place near the sets and it had nothing to do with the film's shooting, the official said.

"We are investigating the case and nobody has been arrested so far," he said.

Executive producer of 'Housefull 4' Manoj Mitra said the incident took place off the sets when the lead actors had already packed up for the day.

In a statement, he said, "It is disheartening to hear about this incident. As an executive producer, I would like to clarify the recent incident that showed up in the news related to the sets of 'Housefull 4' is something that evidently didn't happen on the sets or during the shoot.

"It took place off the sets and hence I have to state that it is beyond our capabilities," he said.

"I would also like to clarify that Akshay Kumar and Ritiesh Deshmukh (who feature in the film) had packed up way before this incident occurred. It was their personal matter and nothing related to our film shoot," Mitra said.

Raman Dave, the head of dancers for the film, said, "There was some argument between the boys which happened post pack up outside the set. The woman tried to save one of the males who was her friend, she tried to stop the fight, but unfortunately, it was a heated argument and during this fight the boys happen to push her away to stay out of the fight."

Dave said the argument was between the dancers and an "outsider" and it had nothing to do with the film.

"We have learned that the argument was between the dancers and Pawan Shetty (who is an outsider) and nothing to do with our film. I had left from shoot but my set attendant Sandra was there on the set and even she has mentioned that nothing happened on the set," he said.

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News Network
July 2,2020

Mumbai, Jul 2: The Mumbai police have summoned noted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for questioning in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case. According to several reports, casting director Shanoo Sharma too might be questioned in connection with the star’s death.

Reports also state that Kangana Ranaut and Shekhar Kapur, who are not directly involved with the investigation, are likely to be asked to record their statements.

The development comes days after the cops had asked for the details of SSR’s contract with Yashraj Films. The MS Dhoni actor had starred in Shuddh Desi Romance and Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, which were backed by the banner. He was supposed to team up with YRF for Paani, directed by Kapur, but the movie was on hold due to creative differences between the Mr India helmer and the production house.

Sushant died by suicide on June 14, leaving his near and dear ones in a state of shock. Following his demise, fans alleged that several Bollywood biggies had tried to sabotage his career as he was an ‘outsider’, reigniting the nepotism debate.

SSR, who hailed from Patna, made an impact in the TV industry before entering Bollywood with the sleeper hit Kai Po Che. He impressed fans with his performances in PK and Shuddh Desi Romance, consolidating his standing in the industry. It was, however, MS Dhoni that established him as a bankable star. Chhichore was his last theatrical release before his death. Drive, backed by Karan Johar, released directly on Netflix. His last film Dil Bechara is slated to release on Disney+ Hotstar on July 24.

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News Network
June 16,2020

Mumbai, Jun 16: In the wake of Sushant Singh Rajput's death, veteran actor Deepti Naval has opened up about her struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts in the early 90s.

Naval shared a poem that she wrote during her struggle with depression on her Facebook page after paying tributes to Rajput, who was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday at the age of 34.

According to a police official, Mumbai Police found out during the probe that the actor was under medication for depression

"Dark days these... So much has been happening - mind has come to a point of stillness... Or rather numbness. Today I feel like sharing a poem I wrote back in the years when I was fighting depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts - Yes, fighting... and like how," Naval wrote.

The 68-year-old actor made her debut with Shyam Benegal's 1978 "Junoon" and went on to feature in films like "Chashme Buddoor", "Ankahee", "Mirch Masala", Saath Saath among others in the 80s.

Naval's poem, titled "Black Wind", begins by describing how anxiety engulfs a person.

"Anxiety grips me with both hands, spiked claws dig deep into my soul I gasp for breath and stagger around sharp corners of my single bed.."

In the poem, Naval talks about fighting suicidal thoughts and depression, describing it as a "ghoulish lust" she won't succumb to.

"The telephone rings... no, it stops...God damn! Why don't anyone speak? A voice, Just a human voice In this shameless, pitiless Abyss of the night - gloom deepens into darkness, turns purple I feel dark inside."

The actor ends by writing that she will survive the night, its "deathly design" and fight.

"The world's a snake pit, so let it be! I dare the devil to get the better of me! Deepti Naval, Night of July 28, 1991."

In an interview with PTI last year, Naval had mentioned how acting assignments started to thin in the late 90s and as a "serious actor" it was "devastating" to be ignored.

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News Network
February 21,2020

Los Angeles, Feb 21: Nepalese-Australian actor Dichen Lachman has joined the cast of the third film in the Jurassic World franchise.

Lachman, best known for Netflix series Altered Carbon and TNT show Animal Kingdom, is the latest addition to the Colin Trevorrow-directed picture, reported Deadline.

Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment project will see Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprise their roles. Mamoudou Athie and DeWanda Wise are also part of the cast.

The movie marks the return of original Jurassic Park stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum.

Trevorrow has co-written the script of the new film with Emily Carmichael. He will also executive produce the film with Steven Spielberg.

Jurassic World 3 hits theatres on June 11, 2021.

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