The incident where a random person from the audience just went up on stage and slapped Gauahar Khan shook the nation. It was ridiculous and absolutely uncalled for.
For those who didn’t read up on the news, the accused, Mohammad Akil Malik, went up to Gauahar on stage of India’s Raw Star and slapped her across her face! His reason, you ask? The fact that Gauahar wears “skimpy outfits” and dances to cheap songs even though she’s a Muslim. So from the looks of it, he doesn’t approve of Muslim women’s choice of clothes but violence against women is apparently not an issue. I can’t even.
Anyway, boyfriend Kushal Tandon, in an interview to a leading tabloid, expressed some serious concerns about the security of the venue. He said:
Where were the bouncers? Who was in charge of security? If a bigger mishap had occurred, who would be held responsible? The guy could have had a knife or something!
Commenting on the reason the accused gave for slapping Khan, Tandon said:
At this rate, all women should stop working. I am too shocked and upset by the incident!
Meanwhile, the channel released a statement lauding Gauahar on her professionalism post the horrific incident.
We are extremely shocked and disturbed. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and we unequivocally condemn it. We had offered Gauhar to excuse herself from shooting, but she’s a brave woman and a true professional. She insisted and continued to shoot despite her pain and anguish. We are with her and will offer her our support.
I’m sure Gauahar will only come out stronger from this and accused will be given deserved punishment. She has only received support from all quarters of the media, celebrities and fans.
What are your thoughts?