Actress Anjali Raghav Quits Bhojpuri Industry After Pawan Singh’s Inappropriate Touch Sparks Outrage
Lucknow/New Delhi, August 30, 2025 – The Bhojpuri entertainment industry is once again facing a storm of controversy. Popular Haryanvi actress and dancer Anjali Raghav has announced her decision to quit the Bhojpuri industry after accusing actor-singer Pawan Singh of touching her waist without consent during a live promotional event.
The incident, captured on camera, went viral across social media platforms, igniting widespread criticism and reigniting conversations about women’s safety and consent in the Indian film industry.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy unfolded during the promotion of their Bhojpuri-Haryanvi collaboration song “Saiya Seva Kare” in Lucknow. A video from the event shows Pawan Singh moving closer to Anjali Raghav on stage and touching her waist, allegedly under the pretext of adjusting something. Anjali appeared visibly uncomfortable in the clip.
Speaking later about the incident, Anjali clarified that she initially chose to remain silent because she assumed Pawan Singh might have been adjusting a microphone wire or removing a tag. However, when her team confirmed that nothing of that sort was there, she realized the act had no justification. The actress admitted she was left shaken and “felt like crying” after the experience.
Anjali’s Statement: “Touching Without Consent is Wrong”
Breaking her silence, Anjali Raghav posted a detailed statement on Instagram, saying:
“I absolutely do not support anyone touching a girl without her consent. What happened to me on stage in Lucknow was wrong, and I do not wish to continue in an industry where such incidents are normalized or defended.”
The actress emphasized that if the incident had occurred in her home state Haryana, the public would not have tolerated such behavior. She also said that she was pressured by Pawan Singh’s PR team to remain silent, as they allegedly warned her that speaking up would result in negative stories being planted against her.
Despite facing online trolling and being blamed by some, Anjali chose to stand firm. She eventually announced that she was stepping away from Bhojpuri projects altogether, citing the toxic environment and lack of respect for women’s dignity.
The Mental Toll and Pressure to Stay Quiet
Anjali revealed that after the incident, she spent two days struggling in silence due to the mental pressure created by the situation. She feared backlash, especially because the incident occurred in Lucknow, a stronghold of Pawan Singh’s massive fan base.
“People there worship him like a god. I wondered if anyone would believe me or support me if I spoke out at that moment,” she said.
Her hesitation reflects a larger issue many female performers face in regional industries—fear of public backlash, victim-blaming, and professional consequences for speaking out against powerful male stars.
Industry Backlash and Social Media Debate
Anjali’s decision has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Hashtags demanding accountability from Pawan Singh began trending soon after the video went viral. Many users expressed solidarity with Anjali, applauding her courage to speak up and highlighting the importance of consent.
At the same time, a section of Bhojpuri cinema fans defended Pawan Singh, accusing Anjali of seeking publicity. The polarized reactions reveal deep societal divides over gender dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry.
Several women’s rights activists and social media influencers have since joined the conversation, urging the Bhojpuri film industry to implement stricter measures to ensure women’s safety and dignity during shoots, events, and promotional activities.
A Pattern of Controversies
This is not the first time Pawan Singh has found himself in the middle of controversy. Over the years, the Bhojpuri superstar has been embroiled in multiple disputes ranging from personal controversies to professional clashes. His larger-than-life stardom in the Bhojpuri belt has often shielded him from accountability.
However, this latest episode with Anjali Raghav has brought the issue of consent and professionalism into sharp focus. Unlike past controversies, this one comes at a time when conversations around gender equality and women’s safety are louder than ever in the Indian media space.
The End of Anjali’s Bhojpuri Journey
For Anjali Raghav, who enjoys a strong fan base in both Haryana and Bhojpuri circuits, this exit marks the end of a short but impactful journey in Bhojpuri cinema.
“I am happy in Haryana. I don’t need to stay in an industry where my dignity is not respected,” she said in her farewell note.
Her decision sends a strong message about setting boundaries and refusing to normalize inappropriate behavior, regardless of the stature of the co-star involved.
Larger Implications for the Industry
The incident has reignited calls for professional codes of conduct and accountability within regional cinema. Industry insiders argue that while Bollywood has faced its own reckoning during the #MeToo movement, regional industries like Bhojpuri cinema remain under-regulated, leaving women particularly vulnerable.
Experts suggest that associations and unions in the Bhojpuri industry need to step up and create formal mechanisms for grievance redressal, sexual harassment complaints, and ensuring safe workplaces for all.
Conclusion
Anjali Raghav’s bold step to quit the Bhojpuri industry is more than just a personal decision—it is a statement against a culture of silence and complicity. By speaking up about her discomfort and refusing to tolerate inappropriate behavior, she has opened up a necessary dialogue about consent, respect, and accountability in regional cinema.
Whether the Bhojpuri industry learns from this controversy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Anjali’s stand has already resonated far beyond Bhojpuri audiences, reminding everyone that no level of stardom gives anyone the right to cross boundaries without consent.
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