A video of Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh touching co-actor Anjali Raghav’s waist during a public event has gone viral, sparking backlash on social media. The two were attending a promotional event for Pawan's new song 'Saiya Seva Kare', which also features Anjali.
The viral video shows Anjali, who's dressed in a golden saree, looking uncomfortable as the actor touches her on the pretext of removing something stuck to her waist. He is heard telling her that he saw something (possibly an insect) as he asks her to stay still while he removes it. Although Anjali smiles awkwardly and does not object, internet users have been criticising Pawan Singh for touching her without consent.
Several users on social media expressed outrage, calling the actor’s behaviour inappropriate.
One user on X shared the video and called out Pawan Singh. "Indian men don't know the concept of Consent. And it gets even worse in UP-Bihar. This is so-called Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh. Imagine what his fans will be learning from him (sic)," read the post.
Another post read, "What a disgusting and vile person he is! He did not even feel ashamed in front of so much public while doing such a despicable act. Aren't you ashamed @PawanSingh909 ? Anjali Raghav feeling so uncomfortable yet she is not slapping on the stage (sic)."
A third user blamed the actor for tarnishing the reputation of the Bhojpuri film industry. He wrote, "People like Pawan Singh defame the entire Bhojpuri community. They are unaware of how many young people influenced by them are going down the wrong path It is a matter of shame (sic)."
Meanwhile, despite the controversy, the song 'Saiya Seva Kare' has been well-received by fans, garnering over 3.6 million views and 201,000 likes since its release on August 27. In the music video, Pawan Singh and Anjali Raghav portray a married couple.
Source: India Today