The #MeToo movement is slowing gaining steam in the country with more and more women coming forward and sharing stories of sexual harassment which they faced in the past. Many prominent faces like Sajid Khan, Alok Nath, Anu Malik, Kailash Kher, Vikas Bahl, Mukesh Chhabra, Subhash Ghai have been named and shamed for their inappropriate behaviour.

More recently, Sacred Games actress Elnaaz Norouzi opened up about being sexually harassed by Bollywood director-producer Vipul Shah. She narrated her ordeal to Mid-Day where she spoke about how the 'Namaste England' director always tried to touch her inappropriately and also tried to kiss her on different occasions.

Vipul Offered Her The Second Lead In Namaste England

Elnaaz told the tabloid, "I came to Mumbai and faced a lot of sh*t. I met him (Vipul Shah) during [the pre-production of the film] Namaste England. My manager informed me that Parineeti Chopra was playing the main lead. And I could be cast as the second lead.

Vipul had offered the role to Jacqueline (Fernandes), who had let it pass. He met me, and I was surprised that in the first (quick) meeting itself, he spoke as if we were going ahead with it (the offer). "We just need to do a look-test, and sign papers," he said, making it (contract) sound like a formality. I hadn't even auditioned for the film. It was weird because things like these take time."

'It Was Too Close For Comfort'

"A few days later, he made me do an audition with (casting director) Honey Trehan, which wasn't even for an actual scene.

I woke up at 6 am, reached Versova beach; was made to do a few natural scenes, just being myself. The casting director, it seemed to me, had not even been briefed.

Vipul got back saying this isn't what he wanted. I met him again in his office, and again he mentioned, "We will sign the papers over the next couple of days."

This time, when we were saying bye, he came on to me. It was too close for comfort. I didn't get the right vibe. He gave a peck on my face. I didn't expect it.

I called up my manager after this to say, "Vipul is serious. He wants to sign the papers. Get in touch with him and go ahead." For days, I kept chasing my manager, who told me that Vipul wasn't getting back.

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