Sajid Khan’s behaviour was obnxious and sexist, says Dia Mirza

Bollywood actor Dia Mirza, who did a cameo in Sajid Khan’s directorial Heyy Baby has said his behaviour was “obnoxious and sexist”.

Sajid has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women following which he stepped down from his role as Housefull 4 producer.

Speaking to India Today, Dia said: “I was deeply disturbed. I agree that Sajid was obnoxious, extremely sexist and ridiculous. Even for me, the details of these accounts are beyond shocking. I have personally always have had a radar for such people. I have never invested in a relationship with such people even in the workplace.”

The actor said the incidents showed how deep patriarchy ran in society and Bollywood and predicted that in the coming weeks many more names will come out. “Many others are silent because of the relationship they share with such people,” she said.

“We often brush off certain kind of behaviour. But I wouldn’t have imagined that Sajid could be capable of doing this to a woman. I completely understand the shock people are feeling right now, but it would be unfair to say that the names that are coming out is shocking,” she added.

The actor further revealed that she has lost work in the past because she was not willing to succumb to patriarchy. “Fortunately, I have never been a victim of sexual harassment. But there have been instances where I have lost out on work or people have shown disinterest in working with me because I was unwilling to succumb to this unspoken understanding of patriarchy.”

At least four women, including journalist Karishma Upadhyay, actors Rachel White and Simran Soni and assistant director Saloni Chopra have accused Sajid of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

A day earlier, the Indian Film & TV Directors' Association (IFTDA) issued Sajid a show-cause notice asking him to explain his behaviour.