Navina Bole’s Revelations Against Sajid Khan
Television actor Navina Bole, renowned for her role in Ishqbaaz, has recently levelled serious allegations against filmmaker Sajid Khan, accusing him of inappropriate conduct during a casting meeting. Speaking to journalist Subhojit Ghosh on his YouTube channel, Bole shared her unsettling experience, recalling that Khan had asked her to strip down to her lingerie during an audition discussion for his film Heyy Baby.
“There was a terrible, terrible man I would never want to meet again—Sajid Khan,” Bole said during the interview. She recounted her shock and disappointment when Khan suggested she undress to prove her “comfort” level for a role. “I was excited when he called me for the project. But he literally said, ‘Why don’t you just get off your clothes and sit in your lingerie? I need to see how comfortable you are.’”
Bole also shared that Khan contacted her again a year later during her participation in the Mrs. India pageant, apparently forgetting their earlier encounter. “It was shocking how casually he would prey on women,” she said.
Sajid Khan’s History of Misconduct Allegations
Sajid Khan’s name is not new to controversy. During India’s #MeToo movement in 2018, multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual harassment and misconduct. Notable figures who spoke against him include:
· Saloni Chopra (actor) – accused him of persistent harassment and emotional abuse.
· Rachel White (actor) – alleged he asked her inappropriate questions during a casting meeting.
· Simran Suri (actor) – accused him of making lewd comments and propositions.
· Journalist Karishma Upadhyay – reported inappropriate behavior during a professional interaction.
These accusations led to Khan stepping down from directing the film Housefull 4, and he faced an industry-wide backlash. Despite this, over the years, Khan has made attempts to return to the entertainment industry, sparking fresh debates about accountability and the treatment of survivors.
The Persistent Issue of Casting Couch in Bollywood
Navina Bole’s account once again brings attention to the pervasive “casting couch” culture in the Mumbai film and television industry—a euphemism for the coercive sexual demands made by some powerful individuals under the guise of offering career opportunities.
Despite occasional high-profile revelations, the casting couch remains a deeply entrenched problem. Many aspiring actors and models, especially women, continue to face predatory behavior from people in influential positions. Often, the imbalance of power, coupled with the glamour associated with breaking into Bollywood, silences many survivors.
While the #MeToo movement opened the floodgates for many survivors to share their stories, there has been limited structural change. Concrete industry reforms, strict enforcement of workplace safety laws, and creation of independent redressal mechanisms remain minimal.
Culturally too, victims are often stigmatized or blamed, making it harder for them to come forward. This has allowed many accused individuals to quietly resume their careers without facing lasting consequences.
A Call for Systemic Change
Navina Bole’s allegations are a reminder that, despite momentary reckonings, the entertainment industry still struggles to protect its most vulnerable. While individual courage in speaking out is commendable, it is systemic change that is urgently needed.
The film and television industry must commit to creating a transparent, accountable, and safer environment for all aspirants. Establishing independent investigation bodies, ensuring survivor anonymity, and enforcing strict penalties for misconduct must become non-negotiable standards.
As society continues to celebrate the glitz of Bollywood, it must also demand an ethical backbone behind the screens—one where talent, not exploitation, determines success.
(With inputs from agencies)
