Vijay Raaz responds to molestation charges, says his reputation has been tarnished: ‘Am I not the victim here?’

Actor Vijay Raaz has responded to allegations that he molested a crew member on the set an upcoming movie. He has denied the accusations, and stated that the incident has unduly tarnished his popularity.

In an interview, he stated that he had apologised to the lady, not as a result of he was incorrect, however as a result of he revered her emotions. He was arrested and launched on bail earlier this month, and returned to set to finish work.

He advised Bombay Times in an interview, “Women’s safety is of prime concern. I have a 21-year-old daughter, so I understand the gravity of the situation. I am all for an investigation by the authorities. However, to ostracise me, suspend and terminate my services from my forthcoming films even before any sort of investigation, is shocking. I have no words to express. It’s a very dangerous place to be in. I have been working in the film industry for 23 years!”

He stated that he has labored very laborious to construct his popularity and earn a decent dwelling within the movie trade, and that the phrase of 1 individual shouldn’t be seen as the last word fact. “People are bound to make judgements without hearing the other side of the story. No matter what the outcome of this case, aap pe ek thappa lag jaata hai (you’re branded for life). I have been pronounced guilty even before the investigation. My right to earn a livelihood is badly affected. Am I not the victim here? My old father who lives in Delhi, also has to face the society and so does my young daughter,” he stated.

Also learn: Vijay Raaz arrested for allegedly molesting crew member: report

Recalling the incident, he stated that he’d been working with the identical crew for over a yr, and had developed a consolation. He stated, “It’s how we are with each other. Yet, when I was told she felt uncomfortable, I apologised. This was in front of the entire crew. My apology meant I respect your feelings. But it didn’t mean that I acknowledged the claims made later at the police station. Saying sorry doesn’t always mean that you are wrong. It means you respect someone’s feelings more. I also have responsibilities and I need a job. Mere itney saalon ki mehnat (year’s of hard work) can go down the drain if people jump to conclusions without verifying the claims. This should not be one-sided. Truth prevails but the damage is done.”

The actor was lately seen in Lootcase and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. He reportedly has a job in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming movie Gangubai Kathiawadi as effectively.

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