Sacred Games actor Elnaaz Norouzi has accused Namaste England director Vipul Shah of sexual harassment. She wrote a long post in Mid-day about her traumatic experiences where Vipul tried to get “too close for comfort” and suggested that she may bag the role of the second lead in Namaste England if she slept with him.
“I met him again in his office, and again he mentioned, “We will sign the papers over the next couple of days.” This time, when we were saying bye, he came on to me. It was too close for comfort. I didn’t get the right vibe. He gave a peck on my face. I didn’t expect it,” said Elnaaz.
In her detailed account, Elnaaz also spoke about how Vipul tried to kiss her every time she met him at his office and also touched her inappropriately.
“The next time we met at his office, he tried to kiss me. I backed off, said, ‘What are you doing? We are in your office!’ I pushed him away, being affirmative; but careful enough not to come across as rude, because I really wanted the film,” Elnaaz Norouzi to Mid-day.
Describing how he called her for a recce to Patiala and tried to coerce her, she spoke about how she went into depression and was harassed for three months due to Vipul’s inappropriate behaviour.
It was evident that if I slept with Vipul, I would get the part. Every time I went to his office, he tried (to hit) on me. He (would) inappropriately touch me, and (try to) kiss me.Elnaaz Norouzi
Elnaaz said that she’s speaking up now so no one can misuse their power at the workplace. “No woman should have to succumb and submit to get work. The only reason I am sharing this is because I want these kinds of disgusting people to stop misusing their power. There are many like Vipul. There shall be more stories, if we see that things don't change,” she added.
Elnaaz’s Sacred Games co-star, Kubbra Sait showed support to the female actor. Kubbra also stated, “I am self confident to say Elnaaz isn’t the only one to have experienced this by this man”.
(Source: Mid-day)
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