New Delhi | Aug 31, 2025

Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh has issued a public apology to actress Anjali Raghav after she announced her decision to quit the Bhojpuri film industry, alleging inappropriate behaviour by him at a recent event in Lucknow. The controversy has triggered widespread discussions about consent and respect in the entertainment industry.

What Happened on Stage

The incident took place during the promotional event of Singh’s recently released Bhojpuri song Saiya Seva Kare, which also features Raghav. Videos circulating online show Pawan Singh repeatedly touching Anjali’s waist on stage, claiming that “something was stuck” on her outfit. While Anjali appeared visibly uncomfortable, Singh ignored her unease and continued the gesture.

Anjali later clarified that when she asked a team member if anything was indeed stuck on her dress, she was told there was nothing. This, she said, made her feel “angry, humiliated, and deeply disturbed.”

Anjali’s Decision to Quit Bhojpuri Industry

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Anjali shared videos expressing her frustration. “Do you think I would feel happy or enjoy being touched in public like that? I absolutely do not support touching any girl without her permission. To begin with, it is very wrong,” she said.

She added that had the incident occurred in her home state of Haryana, “the public would have given the answer themselves.” However, being in Lucknow and surrounded by Pawan Singh’s fan base, she felt powerless. “Main Bhojpuri industry mein ab kaam nahi karungi (I will no longer work in the Bhojpuri industry),” she announced.

Pawan Singh’s Apology

Amid mounting criticism, Singh posted an apology on Instagram Stories. Writing in Hindi, he expressed regret, saying he had no “wrong intention” towards Anjali. “Humlog kalakaar hai (We are artists). If my behaviour caused you any discomfort, I apologise,” he wrote.

Singh also stated that he was unaware of Anjali’s grievances initially and felt “bad” once he came to know. His clarification, however, has done little to pacify the backlash from social media users, many of whom have demanded accountability.

Personal Turmoil Adds to the Controversy

The row further intensified after Singh’s second wife, Jyoti Singh, accused him of neglect and betrayal. In an emotional Instagram post, she alleged that Pawan had ignored her for months, leaving her feeling abandoned. She even mentioned contemplating self-immolation, writing: “If I am not deserving of you, then you could have just left me. There was no need to give me false hope during the Lok Sabha elections.”

Her post drew concern from fans, adding another layer of personal turmoil to Pawan’s already mounting troubles.

About Pawan Singh

One of Bhojpuri cinema’s most prominent stars, Pawan Singh has acted in successful films including Pratigya (2008), Satya (2017), Crack Fighter (2019), and Har Har Gange (2023). He is also a popular playback singer, known for chartbusters like Lagavelu Lipstick and more recently, Aayi Nai from Stree 2.

The Bigger Picture

The controversy has sparked fresh debate around workplace ethics and women’s safety in regional cinema. While Singh’s apology may attempt damage control, Anjali Raghav’s decision to quit has highlighted how such incidents can drive female artists away from the industry altogether.

For now, the Bhojpuri industry is grappling with both public scrutiny and calls for stricter accountability when it comes to respecting boundaries and consent.