After actor Akshay Kumar, who features in the film Housefull 4 , tweeted that he has requested the producers to cancel the shoot until further investigation, filmmaker Sajid Khan has temporarily stepped down as the director of his upcoming film , citing “moral responsibility”.
Mr. Khan has been accused of sexual assault by three women. “I will not work with any proven offenders and all those who have been subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve,” wrote Mr. Kumar.
The Hindu reached out to the producers of the film, Sajid Nadiadwala and Vijay Singh, chief executive officer, Fox Star Studios India, but has not received a response yet. Housefull 4 was planned to release around Diwali 2019.
The film also stars actor Nana Patekar, who has been accused of sexual harassment by Tanushree Dutta. Ms. Dutta has also filed an FIR against Mr. Patekar.
Former actor and author Twinkle Khanna, wife of Mr. Kumar, tweeted that she is appalled at hearing multiple incidents of harassment. “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,” she wrote.
Filmmaker Farah Khan, sister of Mr. Khan, tweeted condemning her brother’s actions. “This is a heartbreaking time for my family. We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for. I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt,” she wrote.
Actor-director Farhan Akhtar, cousin of Mr. Khan, also came out in support of the three women who accused the filmmaker. “I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions,” wrote Mr. Akhtar.
A journalist, an actor Rachel White, and former assistant director who worked with Mr. Khan had narrated their experiences of sexual harassment involving the director on Thursday on Twitter using the #MeTooIndia.
