Arindam Sil Suspended From Directors’ Association Post Sexual Harassment Charges, Swastika Mukherjee

#MeToo Movement: Hema Committee Report has created an uproar not only in Malayalam film industry, but across India. In the latest development, Bengali filmmaker Arvind Sil has been suspended from Directors’ Association of Eastern India (DAEI) after he faced accusations of sexual harassment by an actress.

Arindam suspended from film directors  body over sexual misconduct allegations

The Directors’ Association of Eastern India has suspended Arindam Sil after an actress approached the West Bengal Commission For Women with a complaint against the director. The alleged victim has accused the filmmaker of harassment and indecent behaviour.

As per reports, the letter which was sent out by the committee read, “Due to certain allegations made against you and prime facie evidence we have with us, which are of deep concern and is maligning to the entire organisation, DAEI has decided to suspend you from membership for indefinite period or till the allegations against you are cleared." The letter reportedly was sent out by DAEI president Subrata Sen and Secretary Sudeshna Roy.

After the suspension of the Arindam Sil, Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee shared a post on Facebook, taking a direct dig at the filmmaker. She wrote, “The pit of sin is reversed, Thought I would not be able to see in my life. Lord  that you have kept this word. This is a lot. Took 20 years, let it be.”

She further said, “To all the girls in our world. Time has come, to seize the honor. No more fear. The mask of dirty people must be teared by raising their voice, fingers raise their screams. Come on out everyone. Let's think together by holding hands. This is our BASIC RIGHT.”

In the post, she even mentioned the details of suspension letter which was sent by DAEI to Arindam Sil.

Arindam Sil’s reaction to #MeToo allegations

After the DAEI held two hearings, Arindam shared his point of view as well and expressed his apology in a letter to the commission.

As per media reports, Arindam Sil said that everyone who worked in the film and was present at the time of the incident would testify that his action was unintentional.

In response to this, the DAEI secretary Sudeshna Roy reportedly said that they took the decision after talking to all the sides.

All About Arindam Sil

Arindam Sil is an actor, film director and line producer who works in Bengali films. He has directed several films including Aborto, Ebar Shabor, Byomkesh Hotyamancha, Khela Jawkhon, Maayakumari and Shabhash Feluda, Mitin Mashi, Durga Sohay and Byomkesh Parbo among others.

Arindam has also featured as an actor in several projects including Lost, Tirandaj Shabor, Mahananda, Sada Ronger Prithibi and Afghaani Snow.