Anurag Kashyap Publishs Sincere Apology To Sexual Harassment Victim

In the most recent interview, producer Anurag Kashyap broke the news about a sexual assault accusation against his partner, film producer Vikas Bahl. In his statement, he explained that he had a “limited option” and was “ill-advised” about the problem by his legal representative.

Earlier, in an interaction with HuffPost India, an anonymous woman who previously worked at Phantom Films had reiterated her allegations against Vikas Bahl. According to her, after the incident happened in May 2015, she reported to leader Kashyap and described in detail about the situation.

However, there was no action taken and Vikas continued to exploit her until she had to decide to quit the project. Took to Twitter, Anurag Kashyap shared a two-page official statement to shed light on Vikas Bahl case. Here is his full statement.

 I could not do anything to fire Bahl from Phantom Films

On the set of Phantom, I did everything in my possibility, in which advised by my companion and my counselor. In term of legal and financial part, I have to fully rely on Vikas Bahl’s team. Therefore, I could completely focus on my job which my expertise, creatives. Vikas and his team decision was the final word for us to follow.

I had very limited options.

As reported by all legal document given to me, “I had very limited options”. At the present, when I look back and all thing considered, I realize how “ill-advised” I was. For all the above reason, the company had reached a decision to had a “strong moral stand” and disbarred Bahl authorization and stripped of signing authority.

The victim backed out

There is nothing about Bahl sexual abuse allegations was undercover. The victim (anonymous) had placed trust in me. However, she knew that I had to depend on others to solve all the legal related matter, perhaps she felt it is hard for her to believe that I could possibly see the entire plan to remove and take away Vikas power.

According to Kashyap, that might be the main reason the victim dropped of signing the document in which detailed about how the matter would be solved.

Bahl’s termination was postponed due to his status and contract term

In explanation for the slow process of termination director Bahl, Kashyap pointed out two main reasons. Firstly, at that time Bahl’s position was sharing the same leadership position as a company director. Secondly, on the contract term was no clause to fire him in case of misbehavior.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap claimed that he is the one who brings the story into light

Furthermore, the director added: I took time to corroborate with the journalist. Moreover, the former worker woman did not reach out to him about the incident. However, people will understand his determination when he made his best effort to bring the story to light.

Sexual harassment is a reality in Bollywood

Talking about a highly competitive industry, the producer had confided that Bollywood is extremely less prepared for this sexual matter in a long time. And together there are also many other prominent problems such as copyright, censorship… that we aware of but has not had any measures for this long-term problem.

Give more detail, he said “Part of this due to lack of correct advice and awareness of legal remedies”.

Anurag Kashyap sent a sincere apology to the victim

Kashyap further stated his sincere apology to the woman saying that he is deeply and truly sorry for what occurred. Moreover, he promised such incident will not happen in his work premises never ever again.

As announcement to publication, Anurag sent questionnaires to Phantom Film which now remain three partners Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane. Earlier, last Saturday, the four co-founders made public that they decided to remove the joint banner of the brand without mentioning of the reason.

In addition, the other co-founder of Phantom Films, Vikramaditya Motwane also sent his heartfelt apology to the victim on in a separate note. The producer called Bahl a sexual harasser and affirm that he this thing will never happen at his workplace anymore.

On the other note, since the former staff had raised her voice to accuse Vikas Bahl, many other women include Bollywood celebrities has stepped out of the shadow to denounce his misbehavior.