Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh is facing intense backlash after a video surfaced showing him touching his co-star Anjali Raghav’s waist without consent during a song launch event. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many condemning Singh’s actions. Neither Singh nor Anjali have publicly addressed the controversy yet.
Incident During Song Launch
The incident took place at the launch event of Singh’s new song, Saiya Seva Kare, which features Anjali. In the video, which quickly went viral, Singh can be seen placing his hand on Anjali’s waist. Anjali, who was wearing a saree, appeared visibly uncomfortable, but Singh explained that he was simply trying to remove something that was stuck on her. He can also be heard telling her to remain still, suggesting he had seen an insect.
Despite the explanation, the awkwardness was evident, and Anjali’s uneasy smile, along with her lack of verbal objection, only added to the controversy. The footage quickly caught fire on social media, and viewers were quick to express their disapproval of Singh’s physical contact without permission.
Public Reaction and Criticism
While Anjali did not immediately object verbally, netizens were quick to call out Singh for his inappropriate behavior. Many criticized the actor for making physical contact with his co-star without her consent, labeling the incident as “unprofessional” and “inappropriate.”
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Indian men don’t know the concept of consent. And it gets even worse in UP-Bihar. This is so-called Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh. Imagine what his fans will be learning from him.” Another user criticized the normalization of misogyny by public figures, stating, “When public figures like Pawan Singh normalize misogyny, it trickles down to their audience. This isn’t entertainment, it’s the glorification of rape culture. Consent is non-negotiable, and India desperately needs to learn that.” Other comments pointed out how such behavior, when idolized by fans, normalizes disrespect, calling for better role models in the industry.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, neither Pawan Singh nor Anjali Raghav has made a public statement about the incident. The absence of a response has added to the growing public outcry.
Career Highlights
Pawan Singh became a household name with his song Lollypop Lagelu, which became a cultural sensation in the Bhojpuri music industry. Over the years, Singh has appeared in numerous successful Bhojpuri films and built a loyal fan base. His most recent movie, Jio Meri Jaan, was released in 2024.
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