Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of the most versatile actors in Hindi cinema. He has played many poignant roles alongside leading Bollywood actresses, including Chitrangda Singh. However, things went sour between Nawaz and Chitrangda following the MeToo movement in 2018. Recently, Nawazuddin was seen gracing an event, and the actor caught attention for giving a cold shoulder to Chitrangda.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui chose to ignore Chitrangda Singh
Nawazuddin Siddiqui graced the NBT Utsav awards night in Mumbai and was seen greeting every guest in attendance. However, when he crossed paths with Chitrangda Singh, the actor simply ignored her presence. Nawaz shook hands with Ishaan Khatter, Sidhant Chaturvedi, Mrunal Thakur and Shefali Shah.
Chitrangda was sitting next to Shefali Shah, and Nawaz walked past her without exchanging any pleasantries with her. She, too, chose to ignore the actor. However, as soon as the video was shared on social media, netizens reacted to it and discussed it in the comment section. One of the users wrote, “Last mei chitra thi us se bhi mil hi lete… abhi to dono ne movie kri sath mei.”
What went wrong between Chitrangda Singh and Nawazuddin Siddiqui?
In 2018, Chitrangda Singh levelled serious allegations of harassment against director Kushan Nandy during the making of the film, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz. The actress recalled an unpleasant episode during the making of the film when Kushan used ‘crass language’ and forced her to perform a “titillating” intimate scene.
When Chitrangda pleaded with the makers that she wasn’t comfortable with the scene, the director told her not to make a fuss and to do it. Nawazuddin, who was also present during the incident, chose to stay silent over the episode. As per Chitrangda, Nawaz just sat there without saying anything in her support. After the incident, Chitrangda Singh walked out of the film, citing discomfort, and the role went to Bidita Bag.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui defended the director
Chitrangda spoke about the incident in the wake of the 2018 #MeToo movement. During an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, she alleged that when empowered men in the film industry do not take a stand, the harassers feel encouraged. Speaking about her ordeal, Chitrangda also pointed out at Nawaz’s insensitive comment after the incident and said:
“Nawaz was there, the DOP (Director of Photography) was there, a female producer was there but nobody stood up for me. And to top it all, during the film’s first press conference they very blatantly said ‘we are glad she left as we got a better replacement’. During one of the film promotional events, Nawaz went on and made a statement that ‘humne toh doh baari mazze kar liye’.”
However, Kushan Nandy denied Chitrangda’s allegations of using any objectionable language and stated that she walked out of the film due to creative differences. He also threatened a defamation suit against her. On the other hand, Nawaz too defended Kushan and stated that the incident ‘did not happen’ as described. He also heaped praises on Kushan, quoting him as a ‘gentleman’ and a ‘soft-spoken person’.
To watch the video, click here.
Despite the incident, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangda Singh worked together and were recently seen together in the crime thriller, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders.
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