Bhojpuri actor and MP Pawan Singh sparked a major controversy after a video went viral showing him touching actress Anjali Raghav inappropriately during a public promotional event in Lucknow.
Anjali condemned the behaviour as shameful and unacceptable, revealing she felt deeply disturbed and decided to quit the Bhojpuri industry. Singh apologised publicly, stating he had no wrongful intentions, and Anjali has since forgiven him. The incident has reignited debates on respect, consent, and women’s safety in the entertainment world.
Viral Video Leads to Backlash and Industry Exit by Anjali Raghav
At the promotional launch of the song “Saiya Seva Kare,” Pawan Singh was recorded touching Anjali Raghav’s waist repeatedly without her consent, causing her visible discomfort. Anjali shared emotional videos explaining how the incident left her upset and helpless, especially due to the intimidating fanbase of Singh present at the event.
She strongly rejected unsolicited touching and called for accountability, stressing that no man has the right to misbehave with a woman publicly. The controversy led to widespread criticism of Singh and discussions about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.
“I have been very disturbed for the past two days…Do you think I would feel happy or enjoy being touched in public like that?” Anjali said in a response to the matter. “Jab baad mein maine apne team member se pucha ki kuch laga hai, unhone kaha ki kuch bhi nahi laga tha. Tab mujhe bohot zyada bura laga, gussa aaya aur rona bhi aaya. Lekin mujhe samajh nahi aaya ki main kya karun? Kyunki vahan sab unka fan base tha, unko bhagwan bol rahe the aur khud ko bhakt bol bolke unke pairon main gir rahe the log (Later, when I asked my team member if something was stuck, they said nothing was. That is when I felt very bad, got angry, and even felt like crying. But I did not know what to do because everyone there was their fan base; they were calling him God and calling themselves devotees, falling at his feet,)” she continued.
Public Apology from Pawan Singh and Anjali’s Forgiveness
After the backlash, Pawan Singh apologised on his Instagram, saying he had no wrong intent and expressed regret for causing Anjali distress. “Mera aapke prati koi bhi ghalat intention nahi tha kyuki humlog kalakaar hai. Iske bawajood, agar aapko humari kisi bhi byawahaar se taqleef huyi ho toh uske liye main shama prarthi hoon, (I had no wrong intention towards you because we are artists. Even so, if you were hurt by any of my behaviour, then I sincerely apologise for it)” ended his note.
Anjali acknowledged this apology, thanking Singh and confirming she does not wish to escalate the matter further.
Despite forgiving him, she affirmed her decision to leave the Bhojpuri film industry due to the emotional toll and the challenges faced by women, citing the power imbalance and societal pressures that often silence victims in public or professional spaces.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident highlights the pressing need for a culture rooted in consent, respect, and safety, particularly in entertainment industries where women frequently face harassment. The Logical Indian advocates for systemic reforms to protect women’s dignity and empower them to speak up without fear. Fostering empathy and accountability within creative spaces is essential to creating a safe and equitable environment.
