Dharma Productions has broken its silence after serious sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against cinematographer Pratik Shah, who recently worked on Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. In its official statement, the renowned production house clarified its association with the project and addressed the rising concerns over the matter.
Who is Pratik Shah?
Pratik Shah is a prominent cinematographer in the Indian film industry. His credits include Amazon Prime’s Jubilee, the short film CTRL, and most recently, Homebound, which has gained critical attention. Despite his growing reputation, the cinematographer is now under scrutiny for alleged predatory and manipulative behavior.
What Are the Allegations?
Multiple individuals have come forward with allegations accusing Shah of inappropriate behavior during and outside professional settings. The claims, which surfaced online, describe him as manipulative, controlling, and sexually inappropriate. These serious accusations have sparked widespread conversations within the industry, with many calling for accountability and transparency.
Dharma Productions’ Official Statement
In response to the controversy, Dharma Productions stated:
“We are deeply disturbed by the allegations made against cinematographer Pratik Shah. Dharma Productions had a limited role in the production of Homebound, which was supported as part of our commitment to promote new voices under the now-concluded Dharma Cornerstone Agency and Dharmatic vertical. We were neither producers nor directly involved in crew decisions for the project. We firmly stand against all forms of sexual misconduct.”
The studio emphasized that it had no hand in crew hiring or management for Homebound, aiming to distance itself from the controversy while reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior.
Industry Reactions & Social Media Buzz
The film fraternity and netizens alike have reacted strongly to the allegations. Many have praised the victims for speaking out, while others await further investigation before passing judgment. The hashtag #PratikShah has been trending on social media platforms with mixed reactions.
What’s Next?
As the allegations gain momentum, it’s unclear whether legal action will be pursued. Shah has yet to release a personal statement addressing the accusations. Meanwhile, the controversy puts a spotlight once again on the ongoing need for stronger accountability within Bollywood’s work environment.
