Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: It is very difficult to make a career in the Oriya film industry without compromising with directors and producers, and Oriya TV actress revealed Sunday.
Sarmishtha Priyadarsini (25), who acted in the TV serials ‘Tapasya’ and ‘Badhu’, lodged a complaint with Mahila police against event manager Bapi Jena, producers Subrat Nayak, Tapas Sargaria, Bini Samal, Nihar Samal and director Chandi Parija.
Mahila police have registered a case under section 354 (outraging woman’s modesty), 294 (obscene act), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of IPC.
Sharmistha said Subrat Nayak ousted her from his serial Tapasya suddenly without any NOC from her. “That happened after I rejected Nayak’s consistent sexual approaches towards me,” she said.
The actress said ‘Badhu’ director Chandi Parija also told her to compromise with him if she wanted to act in his serials or movies.
“I was working in a reality show and Bapi Jena said if I wanted to go to the next round, I must be willing to do whatever he wanted. He would keep calling me to a hotel which I refused. Finally, I did not make it to the finals,” Sharmistha alleged.
Producer Bini Samal knew that her husband Nihar and her directors are indulging in such activities but did nothing about it, she said. “I told her that Chandi Parija asked for sexual favours, but she ignored my complaint,” the actress alleged.
Tapas Sargaria made similar demand from her and when she denied he allegedly refused to give her work, she said.
Sharmistha said she complained to her producers whenever directors made sexual demands. “However, the producers too kept silent or made similar demands,” she said.
“One of the directors told me this is how it works in this industry and I should get used to it,” Sharmistha said.
Chandi Parija, however, termed Sharmistha’s allegation baseless.
