Bengali Filmmaker Arindam Sil Suspended by Directors Association Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Prominent Bengali filmmaker and actor Arindam Sil has been indefinitely suspended by the Directors Association of Eastern India (DAEI) following allegations of sexual harassment on the sets of one of his films. Sil, who is also an executive producer for several acclaimed Bollywood films including Te3n, Gunday, and Kahaani, faced suspension based on “prima facie evidence,” according to the association.

DAEI Takes Action Based on Evidence

In an official letter to Sil, DAEI President Subrata Sen and Secretary Sudeshna Roy expressed serious concern over the allegations. The association emphasized that the charges against Sil have cast a shadow over the entire organization.

“Due to certain allegations made against you, and prima facie evidences we have with us, which are of deep concern and is maligning to the entire organisation, DAEI has decided to suspend you from membership for indefinite period or till the allegations against you are cleared,” the statement from DAEI read, confirming that the suspension is effective immediately.

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Arindam Sil’s Career and Recognition

Arindam Sil is a well-known figure in Bengali cinema, with a career spanning directing, acting, and producing. In 2014, he was honored by the West Bengal government with the prestigious Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Samman award, recognizing his contributions to the industry.

#MeToo Allegations Shake Malayalam Film Industry

Sil’s suspension comes at a time when the Indian film industry, particularly in the Malayalam sector, is grappling with a series of #MeToo allegations. In recent weeks, the release of the Justice Hema Committee report has sparked a wave of accusations against senior Malayalam actors and directors, including high-profile figures like Siddique, Mukesh, who also serves as an MLA for Kerala’s ruling CPIM, and director Ranjith Balakrishnan.

AMMA Faces Backlash; Mohanlal Resigns

In the wake of these allegations, superstar Mohanlal resigned from his position as President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a decision followed by the resignation of the entire executive committee. AMMA stated that the resignations were a step towards taking “moral responsibility” amid the growing backlash.

The association’s statement highlighted their decision to dissolve the committee “in light of allegations made by some actors against some of the committee.”

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