Bollywood actor Mouni Roy recently captured widespread attention after a video of her briefly walking off stage during a live performance at a wedding event in Haryana went viral. The incident, which took place in Karnal, sparked considerable discussion, with Roy later sharing a detailed account of the repeated harassment she faced from audience members, leading to her decision.
The Viral Incident and Initial Speculation The viral video shows the actress pausing her performance, moving towards the stage exit, and then returning moments later to complete her act. Initially, the clip led to much speculation regarding her sudden departure. However, Mouni Roy took to Instagram Stories to explain the distressing experience that unfolded both before and during her performance.
Details of Alleged Harassment Mouni Roy recounted a series of disturbing events:
• Pre-Performance Discomfort: Upon arriving at the venue, male guests allegedly crossed personal boundaries under the guise of taking photographs, placing their hands on her waist despite her objections. She verbally asked them to stop, leaving her unsettled even before she began to perform.
• On-Stage Escalation: Once on stage, two men positioned themselves directly in front, making lewd remarks, inappropriate hand gestures, and calling out to her derogatorily. When she tried to signal them to stop, they reportedly responded by throwing roses towards the stage, escalating the hostile situation.
• Mid-Performance Exit: This moment of aggression and disrespect prompted her to walk off stage out of shock and discomfort.
• Filming from Low Angles: Roy also noted that the men were allegedly filming her from low angles due to the elevated stage. Attempts by others to intervene were met with verbal abuse from the harassers.
• Lack of Intervention: She expressed disappointment that neither the event organizers nor family members present took steps to remove the men from the front rows, despite their repeated misconduct.
Mouni Roy's Traumatic Experience and Broader Concerns Describing the experience as humiliating and traumatic, Mouni Roy emphasized that performers attend such events as invited guests, aiming to contribute positively to celebrations like weddings. She highlighted a broader concern, noting that if established actors face such treatment, the situation could be far worse for newcomers in the industry, raising questions about artist safety and respect at public gatherings.
Industry Support and Renewed Conversations Mouni Roy's courageous account resonated with many, including fellow celebrities like Bhumi Pednekar and Tahira Kashyap, who publicly expressed their support and applauded her for speaking up. The incident has reignited crucial conversations around safety, consent, and accountability at public events, with many calling for stricter measures to ensure artists can perform without fear of harassment.
