Filmmaker Sajid Khan, who was busy helming Housefull 4, the next instalment of the highly successful Hindi film franchise Housefull (2010), has stepped down as the director of the film after three women accused him of sexual misconduct.
In his statement, the director said, “In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer and the stars of the film Housefull 4, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth. I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out.”
Akshay Kumar, who toplines Housefull 4, had already requested the makers of the comic-caper to cancel the shoot until the truth is out. The actor wrote on his Twitter handle, “I have just landed back in the country and reading all the news has been very disturbing. I have requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action. I will not work with any proven offenders and all those who have been subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve,
Housefull 4 also stars Nana Patekar who has also been accused of sexual harassment by Tanushree Dutta.
The announcement comes as entertainment companies increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated ZEE5
