Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has made serious allegations against Malayalam film director and chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, Ranjith. Mitra claims that during a 2009 audition for Ranjith’s film ‘Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha,’ Ranjith engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her.
Mitra detailed the alleged incident in an interview with the Indian Express. She stated that Ranjith, while on a phone call with the film’s cinematographer, invited her to a separate room. She described the room as dark with a balcony, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. As she spoke to the cinematographer on the phone, Mitra claims that Ranjith stood beside her, touching her bangles and skin. She expressed feeling uncomfortable, but initially attempted to rationalize his actions, believing he was simply admiring her jewelry.
However, Mitra alleges that Ranjith’s behavior escalated, moving on to playing with her neck and hair. She ultimately excused herself and left the room.
Ranjith has vehemently denied Mitra’s allegations. He insists that Mitra was present for an audition, alongside other individuals including filmmaker Shankar Ramakrishnan, and that the alleged incident never occurred. He attributes the accusations to an ulterior motive, claiming that Mitra’s performance was unsatisfactory and that she is raising this controversy for other reasons. He has asserted that any legal action taken by Mitra will be met with a strong counter-response.
These allegations emerge against the backdrop of the release of the Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread sexual abuse within the Indian film industry. The report has sparked a wave of discussion and action aimed at addressing systemic issues of power imbalances and misconduct in the industry. Mitra’s accusations further highlight the urgent need for change and accountability within the film industry.
