Karnal: Actor Mouni Roy has spoken out about an alleged incident of harassment she faced during a public event in Karnal, Haryana, saying the experience left her feeling “humiliated” and “traumatised”. The actor shared a detailed account of the incident on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, January 24, calling attention to inappropriate behaviour by some attendees and the failure of organisers to intervene.
Roy’s statement has sparked widespread discussion online about the safety of performers at public and private events, particularly women artistes who are frequently invited to appear at weddings, cultural programmes and celebrations across the country.
Actor recounts disturbing experience at public event
According to Roy, the incident occurred as she arrived at the venue and made her way towards the stage. She alleged that several male guests behaved inappropriately, subjecting her to unwanted physical contact and ignoring her repeated objections.
“Had an event in Karnal last night, and I’m disgusted with the behaviour of the guests, especially two uncles who are well-aged enough to be grandparents,” Roy wrote. She said that as she walked towards the stage, some men placed their hands on her waist under the pretext of clicking photographs.
“I didn’t like it, and when I said, ‘Sir, please remove your hand,’ they didn’t listen,” she added, stating that her discomfort was dismissed despite her clearly expressing boundaries.
Harassment continued during stage performance
Roy said the situation worsened once she began her performance. She alleged that two men stood close to the stage, made lewd comments, used obscene hand gestures and resorted to name-calling.
“On stage is an even better story. Two uncles stood right in front, making lewd remarks, showing lewd hand gestures, and name-calling,” she wrote. When she initially tried to signal them to stop, they allegedly responded by throwing roses at her, behaviour she said only added to the humiliation.
Despite the disturbance, Roy said she attempted to complete her performance professionally. She briefly walked towards the stage exit midway through the act but returned to finish the show. However, she alleged that the harassment continued unabated.
Lack of intervention by organisers alleged
A key concern highlighted by Roy was the absence of any intervention from event organisers or family members hosting the function. She said no one attempted to move the men away from the front of the stage or ensure her safety.
“They didn’t stop even after that and no family or organisers moved them from up front,” she wrote. Roy expressed disappointment that even after her visible discomfort, those responsible for managing the event failed to take corrective action.
She also alleged that some male attendees recorded her performance from inappropriate low angles, further violating her sense of safety and dignity.
“If this can happen to me, what about newcomers?”
Reflecting on the incident, Roy said it raised troubling questions about the treatment of women performers, especially those who are new to the industry.
“If someone like me has to go through this, I can only imagine what new girls starting to work and do shows must be,” she wrote. Emphasising that artistes attend such events as invited guests, she added, “We go to these events to be part of someone’s celebration. We are their guests, and yet this is how we are treated.”
Roy said the experience left her deeply shaken. “I am humiliated, traumatised and want the authorities to take action for this intolerable behaviour,” she stated, urging organisers and law enforcement agencies to ensure safer environments at public events.
Appeal to conscience and authorities
In a strongly worded message, Roy questioned the mindset of those who behaved inappropriately. “We are artists trying to earn an honest living through our craft. Wonder what these men would do if their friends behaved the same with their daughters, sisters or any family members. Shame on you!” she wrote.
She reiterated her appeal for authorities to take note of such incidents and put mechanisms in place to prevent similar behaviour in the future. While Roy did not specify whether a formal police complaint had been filed, her public statement has intensified calls on social media for stricter accountability at events involving public figures.
Career and public response
Mouni Roy began her career in television with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and rose to fame with shows such as Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev and Naagin. She later transitioned to films and was most recently seen in The Bhootnii. Over the years, she has built a significant fan following and is a regular presence at high-profile events across India.
Following her post, several fans and industry colleagues expressed solidarity with her, condemning the alleged behaviour and urging authorities to act decisively. The incident has once again highlighted the broader issue of women’s safety in public spaces, even for well-known personalities.
Conclusion
Roy’s account has brought renewed focus on the lack of safeguards for performers at public and private functions. As conversations around consent, dignity and safety gain momentum, her experience underscores the urgent need for organisers and authorities to take responsibility and ensure that artistes can perform without fear of harassment or humiliation.