Renowned Bengali filmmaker and actor Arindam Sil has been suspended by the Directors’ Association of Eastern India (DAEI) following a sexual harassment complaint filed by an actress. This marks the first high-profile suspension in Tollywood after similar allegations shook the entertainment industries in southern India.
The DAEI issued a statement on Saturday, confirming Sil’s suspension with immediate effect. The letter, signed by DAEI president Subrata Sen and secretary Sudeshna Roy, cited “prima facie evidence” and stated, “Due to certain allegations made against you, which are of deep concern and malign the entire organisation, DAEI has decided to suspend you indefinitely or until the allegations are cleared.”
Sil, who is also well-known for his acting roles, defended himself, telling reporters that his actions, now being interpreted as misconduct, were unintentional. He claimed that the incident in question occurred during the filming of a movie when he was explaining a scene to the actress. “No one objected to my actions or conduct at that time,” Sil stated.
The matter came to light after the actress lodged a complaint with the West Bengal Commission for Women. Sil had since sent a letter of apology to the DAEI. Despite his apology, the association moved forward with the suspension after hearing from all parties involved.
Known for directing films like Har Har Byomkesh, Mitin Mashi, and the Shabor series, Arindam Sil continues to assert that his actions were unintentional and that witnesses would testify in his favor. However, his suspension remains in place as the case unfolds.
