
"I categorically deny any claims," said Ali Zafar (courtesy ali_zafar, meesha.shafi)
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"I intend to take this through the courts of law," said Ali Zafar
He has been accused of sexual harassment by his colleague Meesha Shafi
"Silence is absolutely not an option," said Ali
The Tere Bin Laden actor denied the allegations in his tweet and mentioned he intends to take legal action: "I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than lodge any allegations here."
Ali Zafar, who confessed to being a supporter of the 'Me Too' campaign (which exploded after Weinsteingate and aims to empower survivors of sexual harassment and assault), said: "Ultimately I'm a strong believer that the truth always prevails."
Read his tweet here:
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
Earlier on Thursday, Meesha, who is a popular artiste on Coke Studio Pakistan, added in her tweet: "These incidences did not happen when I was young, or just entering the industry. This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind. This happened to me as a mother of two children."
In her tweet, she's also explained her decision to open up. "Today, I speak up because my conscience doesn't allow me to be silent anymore." While Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar have never co-starred in a film together, her tweet indicates that the two have shared the stage for performances.
"I feel betrayed by his behaviour and his attitude," wrote Ms Shafi, who claims to have been acquainted with Ali Zafar for years. "I know that I am not alone," she added.
Referring to the 'Me Too' campaign, Meesha Shafi added a note to her post: "Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out... but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo."
Read her full account here.
Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo pic.twitter.com/iwex7e1NLZ
— Meesha Shafi (@itsmeeshashafi) April 19, 2018
Meesha Shafi is an actress and singer of repute, having starred in several Pakistani serials and Mira Nair's film The Reluctant Fundamentalist. She also had a role in the 2013 Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, in which Ms Shafi was cast as a swimmer competing in the Olympics. Meesha Shafi's best-known musical work includes a collaboration with singer Arif Lohar on the song Jugni.
Ali Zafar has several Bollywood films on his resume and has worked with actresses like Alia Bhatt in Dear Zindagi, Katrina Kaif in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Taapsee Pannu in Chashme Baddoor, Parineeti Chopra in Kill Dil and Yami Gautam in Total Siyapaa.