Producer Sanjay Nayak Faces Defamation Case after Casting Couch Allegations by Actresses Prakruti Mishra and Jasmine Rath
The Odisha film industry, also known as Ollywood, is rocked by a casting couch scandal involving a prominent producer and two actresses. The controversy erupted after WhatsApp conversations between actresses Prakruti Mishra, Jasmine Rath, and other artists, in which they accused producer Sanjay Nayak alias Tutu Nayak of exploiting newcomers, went viral on Friday.
Jasmine Rath, who has acted in films like ‘Hi Krushan’ and ‘Tora Mora Kati’, alleged that she was thrown out of a film project for refusing to meet Sanjay Nayak at a club in Bhubaneswar a few months back. She claimed that he wanted to meet her in a club to fix her dates for a film but she declined because she was shooting for another film on the same day and it was already late in the night. She added that Sanjay Nayak resorted to a character assassination drive against her because of which she lost some more movies for which discussions were on.
Prakruti Mishra, who has appeared in films like ‘Hello Arsi’ and ‘Babushan Mohanty’, corroborated Jasmine Rath’s allegations saying that Sanjay Nayak lured newcomers with false promises of launching them in films. She alleged that he had only worked as a manager of production houses but was laid off and that his father was a renowned producer. She also claimed that he and several people associated with him exploited many girls and ruined their lives.
Denial by producer Sanjay Nayak
Sanjay Nayak, who has produced films like ‘Romeo Juliet’ and ‘Tu Mo Love Story’, denied the allegations levelled by the actresses and said that he will file a defamation case against them and the news channel that broadcast their statement. He said that the actresses are being instigated by some ‘so-called’ producers to tarnish his image.
He refuted the allegation that he had invited Jasmine Rath to the club and said that he was disappointed when he got a call from her boyfriend to discuss her dates. He said that he asked the producers of the film ‘Tora Mora Kati’ to drop her and go for a more professional artist. He also said that Prakruti Mishra is reacting to the objections raised by him on her alleged relationship with actor Babushaan Mohanty.
He said that the allegations are coming from people who have contributed little to the industry and that he has always respected women and given opportunities to new talents.
Impact on Odisha film industry
The casting couch scandal has exposed the dark side of the Odisha film industry and raised questions about the safety and dignity of women artists. It has also sparked a debate on the need for more transparency and accountability in the industry. The scandal has also affected the reputation of Sanjay Nayak, who is considered one of the most influential producers in Ollywood.
The Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) has said that it will look into the matter and take appropriate action if any complaint is lodged by the actresses. The OFDC has also urged the artistes to approach them or the police if they face any harassment or exploitation in the industry.
The casting couch scandal has also drawn attention to the lack of a strong association or union of artists in Odisha that can protect their rights and interests. Many artists have expressed their support for the actresses who have spoken out against Sanjay Nayak and demanded justice for them. They have also called for more awareness and sensitization among the artists about their legal rights and remedies.
