Mohanlal's Drishyam Co-star Asha Sharath Shields #MeToo Accused Siddique, Vouches For Him

Mollywood Battles With #MeeToo: Malayalam actress Asha Sharath has issued a lengthy statement after reports claimed that Siddique behaved inappropriately towards her during the shooting of Jeethu Joseph's film Drishyam. The rumours surfaced after Bengali actress Revathy Sampath accused him of sexual harassment. In her statement, Asha refuted all rumours and called for severe action to be taken against those who try to ‘unlawfully’ defame innocent people.

Malayalam actress Asha Sharath sides with Drishyam costar Siddique

Malayalam actress Asha Sharath, on August 27, responded to MeToo allegations in the Malayalam film industry and the false rumours spreading in her name. She was referring to the reports claiming former AMMA chairman Siddique misbehaved with her on the sets of Drishyam. To set the record straight, the actress claimed that she is good friends with him and deemed him a ‘respected colleague’.

She shared, "I became aware of some rumours that are being circulated, stating that Siddique misbehaved with me during the filming of Drishyam. Siddique is a respected colleague and a good friend of mine in the artistic field. I have never encountered any inappropriate behaviour, words, or actions from him." She urged netizens to not spread baseless rumours. The actress added, "Please refrain from making such baseless allegations."

Asha Sharath requests to call people who spread ‘false rumours’

In her statement, the actress compared the Malayalam film industry with a family that must set examples for others. She added, ". If any undesirable incidents are happening or emerging, they need to be nipped in the bud. We must call out those who spread false rumours and attempt to fish in troubled waters."

She also called for legal action to be taken against people who are engaged in defamation. She added, “Those who engage in such unlawful defamation will be brought before the law. Anyone with a passion and talent for the arts should be able to work in an atmosphere of peace and happiness. I hope the government and the art-loving community in Kerala will work together to create such an environment.”