‘Sacred Games’ star Elnaaz Norouzi accuses Vipul Shah of sexual harassment

‘Sacred Games’ (2018) star Elnaaz Norouzi recently opened up about harassment she allegedly received at the hands of Vipul Shah.

She described the time when she first met with Shah, reports Mid Day. ” I met him (Vipul Shah) during [the pre-production of the film] Namaste England. My manager informed me that Parineeti Chopra was playing the main lead. And I could be cast as the second lead.”

“Vipul had offered the role to Jacqueline (Fernandes), who had let it pass. He met me, and I was surprised that in the first (quick) meeting itself, he spoke as if we were going ahead with it (the offer). “We just need to do a look-test, and sign papers,” he said, making it (contract) sound like a formality. I hadn’t even auditioned for the film. It was weird because things like these take time.”

Vipul got back saying this isn’t what he wanted. I met him again in his office, and again he mentioned, “We will sign the papers over the next couple of days.” This time, when we were saying bye, he came on to me. It was too close for comfort. I didn’t get the right vibe. He gave a peck on my face. I didn’t expect it. I called up my manager after this to say, “Vipul is serious. He wants to sign the papers. Get in touch with him and go ahead.” For days, I kept chasing my manager, who told me that Vipul wasn’t getting back.”

Norouzi went on to talk about when Shah tried to kiss her. “The next time we met at his office, he tried to kiss me. I backed off, said, “What are you doing? We are in your office!” I pushed him away, being affirmative; but careful enough not to come across as rude, because I really wanted the film. Vipul didn’t apologise, though I hoped he had understood (the point). During this time, I had asked him about when we were starting (the film). ”

“For two months after this, I would wake up anxiously every morning, waiting for a text back from Vipul, on when I’d be signing (the contract). He kept delaying it. In the meantime, I had cracked (a part in the Netflix series) Sacred Games. They were keen to sign me up.”

Shah worked on persuading Norouzi not to accept the Netflix role. “He kept asking me to skip (the offer). He still had not signed a contract with me for Namaste England. I was mentally tortured for three months. It was evident that if I slept with Vipul, I would get the part. Every time I went to his office, he tried (to hit) on me. He (would) inappropriately touch me, and (try to) kiss me.”

She finished by giving her reasoning to finally sharing her story. “The only reason I am sharing this is because I want these kinds of disgusting people to stop misusing their power. There are many like Vipul. There shall be more stories, if we see that things don’t change.”

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