Mouni Roy Speaks Out on Harassment at Event: We Are Artists Earning an Honest Living Through Our Craft

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Mouni Roy has spoken about a distressing experience of harassment she faced during a recent event in Karnal, alleging inappropriate behaviour by members of the audience, including elderly men.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the actress said that while walking towards the stage, several male attendees placed their hands on her waist under the pretext of clicking photographs.

“Had an event in Karnal and I’m disgusted with the behaviour of the guests, especially two uncles who are old enough to be grandparents. As I walked towards the stage, uncles and family members (all men) put their hands on my waist to click pictures,” she wrote.

Mouni said that when she objected and asked them to remove their hands, she was met with hostility. “They didn’t like it when I said, ‘Sir, please remove your hand’,” she added.

The situation worsened once she was on stage. According to the actress, two men standing in the front row passed lewd remarks, made obscene gestures and resorted to name-calling. She said she initially gestured for them to stop, but they responded by throwing roses at her.

“Mid-performance, I walked towards the stage exit but immediately came back to finish my performance. They didn’t stop even after that, and no family member or organiser moved them from the front,” she stated.

Deeply shaken by the incident, Mouni said she felt humiliated and traumatised, and expressed concern for young artists who are just starting out in the industry.

“If someone like me has to go through this, I can only imagine what new girls who are beginning to work and perform at shows must face,” she wrote, urging authorities to take strict action against such behaviour.

Emphasising the dignity of her profession, the actress added, “We are artists trying to earn an honest living through our craft. I wonder how these men would react if the same behaviour was directed at their daughters, sisters or other family members. Shame on you.”

--IANS