The Bhojpuri film industry is currently facing a storm of controversy following an incident involving actor Pawan Singh and actress Anjali Raghav during a promotional event for their song "Saiya Seva Kare". A video circulating on social media shows Singh touching Raghav's waist in a manner that has been widely condemned as inappropriate and lacking consent. The incident has sparked outrage online, with many users criticizing Singh's behavior and raising concerns about the normalization of disrespect towards women.
In the video, Raghav, wearing a saree, appears visibly uncomfortable as Singh touches her waist. While Singh can be heard stating that he was attempting to remove something that was stuck there, possibly an insect, his actions have been perceived by many as a violation of personal space and a display of unprofessional conduct.
Amidst the escalating controversy, Anjali Raghav has reacted strongly, announcing her decision to quit the Bhojpuri industry. She expressed her hurt and frustration over the incident and the subsequent online harassment she has faced. Raghav stated that she does not support touching any girl without her permission. She also conveyed that she had been worried for two days and was continuously receiving messages asking why she didn't take action on stage.
The incident has triggered a wave of criticism directed at Pawan Singh across various social media platforms. Many users have expressed their disappointment and anger, with some denouncing Singh's behavior as "sickening" and "disgusting". There have been calls for greater awareness and education regarding consent and respect for women in the entertainment industry and beyond.
This is not the first time Pawan Singh has been embroiled in controversy. He has previously faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, including accusations of harassment and misconduct from actress Akshara Singh. These repeated incidents have led to questions about the industry's response to such behavior. In addition, a Varanasi court recently ordered the police to file a case against Pawan Singh and others, regarding allegations of fraud.
The controversy surrounding Pawan Singh and Anjali Raghav has ignited a broader conversation about the importance of consent, respect, and professional conduct within the Bhojpuri film industry and the entertainment industry as a whole. It remains to be seen what further actions will be taken by the involved parties and how this incident will shape future interactions and norms within the industry. Despite the controversy, the song "Saiya Seva Kare" has garnered significant views and likes since its release.