Actor-singer Ali Zafar, who has acted in Bollywood films like Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Kill Dil, has been accused of sexual harassment by Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi on social media.
Taking to her Twitter page, the singer wrote, “Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore.”
The tweet was accompanied by a note, which reads, “As a woman, a public figure and a mother, I have always felt strongly about using my voice to encourage and support our youth who look up to me especially girls, who dream of carving their own path in Pakistan. However, despite having a voice, there are some issues that are difficult to speak about as a woman, especially sexual harassment.”
She added, “I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry - Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young or just entering the industry. This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children. It has been an extremely traumatic experience for me and my family. Ali is someone I have known for many years and someone who I have shared the stage with. I feel betrayed by his behaviour and his attitude and I know that I am not alone. Today I am breaking this culture of silence and I hope that by doing that I am setting an example for young women in my country to do the same. We only have our voices and the time has come to use them.”
Ali Zafar is yet to respond to these allegations.