Hansal Mehta demanded an inquiry into ‘Homebound’ cinematographer Pratik Shah, after allegations of S*Xual harassment: ‘Victims need voice’. Hindi film news

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has called for immediate action and accountability following allegations of serious misconduct against cinematographer Pratik Shah. In a firmly shared note shared on X (East Twitter), Mehta insisted that silence should be exhausted around misuse and hunters should be attributed to without delay.Hansal Mehta broke his silenceKnown for directing films like ‘Shahid’ and ‘Citylights’, Hansal did not put back in his message. Referring to the allegations against Pratik Shah, he urged the industry to investigate the growing pattern of powerful men while misusing their positions.Mehta begins his statement saying, “Abuse thrives in silence. It celebrates in fear. The hunter behavior by men on the positions of power should be thoroughly examined, and if found true, it should be called out, unevenly and without delay. For a very long time, predators have an impact, privilege, and fear to remain silent. That silence should be broken. ,Calling toxic behavior in the name of ‘genius’Mehta also called the common practice of labeled harmful behavior as ‘passion’ or ‘creative talent’. He insisted, “The mentality that allows the toxic environment to flourish in the name of ‘passion’ or ‘talent’.”Their post continued, “The victims need a voice. They need to prevent. They need a system that listens and works. Accountability does not cancel culture.Who is Pratik Shah?Pratik Shah worked as a cinematographer for ‘Homebound’, the only Indian feature film shown at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The film was directed by Neeraj Gaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.After the allegations surfaced, Shah removed his Instagram account. Many women have accused him of S*Xil misconduct, some called him ‘hunter’. A woman said, “Many women have reached me about Pratik and have called them a hunter. I have talked, and now I hear from others. People who have felt silent or sidelined. It is a shocking heart. The pattern is undisputed.”Religion Productions AnswerDharma Productions issued a statement about the allegations, “In Dharma Productions, we have a zero tolerance policy against inappropriate behavior and any person working with anyone is*Xulad harassment towards anyone, and we consider matters of sexual harassment very seriously. Shri Pratik Shah was working on the project. During this limited period, our internal committee for posh did not receive any complaint against any artist or crew on our film ‘Homebound’. ,