"My right to earn a livelihood is badly affected": Vijay Raaz on molestation allegations against him

Last week, actor Vijay Raaz was accused of molestation by a female crew member of their upcoming film Sherni. The shoot of the film starring Vidya Balan had resumed a few days back in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) after the long break owing to the pandemic. The cast and crew of the film was staying at a hotel in Gondia, a few kilometres away from the shooting location. Vijay Raaz was arrested by the Gondia police late night on November 2 and was released on conditional bail by a local court the next afternoon. 

Now, Vijay Raaz has been temporarily suspended from the film owing to the complaint received by the production house. Now, a week later, the actor while talking to a daily opened up about the matter. He said that he understands the gravitas of the issue and is cooperating with the investigation. However, the actor finds it shocking that his services were suspended and terminated even before an investigation. Raaz, who has been a part of the industry for 23 years now, says it is a dangerous place to be in.

The veteran actor goes on to say that he has worked hard to build his career and reputation. He said that people are bound to make judgements without hearing the other side of the story. He feels that he has been pronounced guilty even before the investigation. He said that his right to earn a livelihood has been badly affected and calls himself the victim in this situation. Further talking about the female crew member, Vijay Raaz said that he immediately apologised to her in front of the entire crew when she said she felt uncomfortable. The actor said that his apology was meant to say that he respected her feelings and not admitting to claims made at the police station. Vijay Raaz has appeared in over 80 Bollywood films, including recent releases like Lootcase, Gulabo Sitabo, and Gully Boy.