Ali Fazal has come out strong for his girlfriend Richa Chadha after her name was dragged in Payal Ghosh’s allegations of sexual abuse against Anurag Kashyap. Ali opened up on the same by resposting the official statement on Instagram, shared by Richa’s lawyer on Monday and said that Richa has always promoted justice for women.
Payal had claimed that Anurag had sexually harassed her in the year 2014-15, on the counterpart this allegation was termed “baseless” by the filmmaker. Payal also alleged that Anurag said that there were other actresses who he got intimate with, mentioning Richa Chadha’s name. To which now Richa’s lawyer has issued a statement on Monday, saying that the actor has commenced ‘appropriate legal action’ against Payal for falsely bringing her name into the controversy.
Ali reposted the statement on Instagram and wrote a long note about Richa expressing how she has always stood up for the good in society. The note read, “My love, you, who has stood up for women time and time again, today had to go through this ordeal. And yet, you come out strong as ever. My partner , your resilience, your kindness, and empathy have touched many people, and i have had the fortune of being witness to that over the time ive known you . The battles you’ve fought to create an equal society which isnt fractured by hate . And within that to be able to champion women all along … and keep your art at par with the best, takes courage and nerves of steel. I am so proud of you because i know you wont stop standing up for those in need, specially women who’ve lost their voices within the many patriarchal set ups we face today the world over.”
“I believe every voice must be heard. I believe in dissent. But I also believe in the power of truth and justice. They indeed prevail. I believe in using our right to speak up but with utmost responsibility. I believe that we as a society need to empower our women so that their fearless voices echo in all its glory and yet with care and gentleness,” he added.
He further concluded the note by stating, “I say this today, not because you’re my partner but because people like you make the world a better place and we need you. . Love you . With you. Always,” he wrote. Replying to his post, Richa wrote, “Grateful for you! Today and always.” Choreographer Lauren Gottileb also commented, “Richas’s name being taken like that was terrible. But THIS, what you have spoken about her in support this is a relationship we can all look up to! God bless you both.”
Here’s the post:
Anurag Kashyap too, shared a statement from his lawyer, Priyanka Khimani, that said the filmmaker has been “fully advised of his rights and remedies in law and intends to pursue them to the fullest extent.” Denying the allegations on Sunday, Anurag called Payal’s claim as an attempt to “silence” him for his outspoken opinions.
The director found support by his industry friends, including Hansal Mehta, Taapse Pannu, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub as well as former wives, film editor Aarti Bajaj and actor Kalki Koechlin who ascribed him for keeping a safe work environment for women.
