Rajkummar Rao speaks out on Rajkumar Hirani issue

Since the time #MeToo hit the film industry, bringing to light some respected names, many celebrities have conveniently chosen to stay away from making comments. From the time director Rajkumar Hirani was called in a sexual harassment case many in the industry have spoken only in favour of the director.

But contrary to his counterparts, Rajkummar Rao chose to voice his opinion. It was during a media interaction for Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, when both Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Rao were asked about the sexual-harassment allegation against Hirani. While Sonam took the moderate wait-and-watch stance on the issue, Rao went all-out with blazing guns demanding an impartial inquiry into the matter.

The Newton actor expressed his shock on reading about the incident and respect for the decision of Ek Lakdhi Ko… team for revoking Hirani’s credit from the film. Apparently the actor was later told by the media/marketing team to curb his opinion on the issue, “if he knows what’s good for him.”

While Rao remains undeterred, a source in the know says, “The only voices one hears in the Hirani #MeToo issue are voices defending him. The voices of dissent are quiet because ...everybody wants to work with him. Rajkummar was asked to go easy with his opinion. He was told to shut up.”

A lot of people have come out in favour of Hirani but not Sanjay Dutt, whose association with Hirani has deep-rooted relevancy due to Munnabhai.Yet, he has stayed away from making any comment.