Actor Akanksha Chamola has commented on Shilpa Shinde's recent admission that she filed a false sexual harassment complaint against Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain producer Sanjay Kohli, saying Shinde may have felt "helpless" and "cornered" at the time.
The remarks were made during an episode of Lock Upp, where Shilpa Shinde entered as a wild card contestant. While discussing the controversy, co-host Riteish Deshmukh asked the contestants to share their views on Shinde's admission.
Most participants described filing a false sexual harassment complaint as a serious matter that could significantly affect a person's reputation and career. Akanksha Chamola offered a different perspective, saying she was not defending the act itself but attempting to understand the circumstances that may have led to it.
Speaking on the show, Chamola said that, as a woman, she believed Shinde might have felt she had no other option. She added that when someone is in a dispute with a more influential person, they may feel overwhelmed or cornered. However, she clarified that her comments should not be interpreted as support for filing a false complaint.
The controversy began after Shilpa Shinde, during a recent podcast with comedians Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, admitted that the sexual harassment complaint she filed against producer Sanjay Kohli nearly a decade ago was false. Shinde said she had taken the step after leaving Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain and not receiving payments she believed were owed to her.
According to Shinde, she felt "cornered" at the time and viewed the complaint as a last resort. She also said the matter was eventually settled and that she received her pending dues.
Shinde's admission has prompted criticism from several members of the entertainment industry. Actors Pooja Bedi and Hina Khan have publicly criticised her remarks, while the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement describing the admission as a matter of concern for the film and television industry.
The issue has sparked broader discussions on workplace disputes, legal accountability, and the impact of false allegations, while also drawing attention to the challenges individuals may face during professional conflicts.
Sources: Hindustan Times