Directors Neeraj Ghaywan And Anurag Kashyap Back Varun Grover As He Denies Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Writer-lyricist Varun Grover has categorically denied sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by an anymous person during his college days, calling it an attempt to silence his voice in #MeToo movement.

Grover, who is one of few vocal names from film industry on equality, said screenshot doing rounds on social media was "untrue" and "misleing".

"I completely, totally, categorically deny all allegations being me. screenshot in question is untrue, misleing, and defamatory to say least," Grover posted on Twitter.

In a second and more detailed statement, screenwriter offered a point-by-point rebuttal about details mentioned in accusatory screenshot and said y can be cross-checked furr.

" account shared is rife with inconsistencies, blatant lies and details that can be cross-checked very easily with any of hundred or more students who were performing or keenly watching atre in my college at that time," he wrote in statement, posted on Twitter.

 Grover, 38, said ne of sequence of events described in that anymous screenshot happened ever.

"I deny all of it with all conviction I have in my bone. At least, it smells like a case to silence my voice at this important time in #MeToo moment. But in larger context, it could be a ploy to muddy waters and sabot entire movement all toger," he said.

Grover, who is also active as a stand-up comedian and kwn for his anti-establishment satire, said he was rey to submit himself to any "legal or independent" inquiry.

"I kw it is hard to reconcile two - 'believe women' and 'don't put any allegations on me'. I have been thrown this curve ball and I will find a way but at end of day, a complete lie cant be allowed to roam free while truth sits concerned in a dungeon. I have complete faith in my own incence and integrity and will be happy to face any inquiry (legal or independent) and present my case if person in question decides to go ahe," he said.

Grover said mythology reference on Vishwamitra and Tillottama may have come from his recent writing work on "Sacred Games" but during college, he never directed any mythological play and his work in "atre club" can be independently verified.

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"I have never touched any person inappropriately in my life. To sum it up, this play or anything in its vicinity, in terms of mes or characters never happened...I kw it would be disheartening for so many people to re se allegations about me and I understand if you want to keep distance or believe m for w. But I will promise you, I will clear my name from this defamatory tactic. Till n, keep #MeToo alive and don't let such stray cases hamper your spirits," he ded.

Filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Neeraj Ghaywan, who have frequently collaborated with Grover, also came forward in writer's support.

"This man I have kwn so closely and so so long that I refuse to believe any allegations about him. #believevictim and investigate claims and also be careful to t let vested interests sabot a long pending genuine movement," Kashyap tweeted.

Ghaywan, who has worked with Grover on "Maasan", said it was impossible for him to believe that writer would do such a thing.

"I kw Varun for large part of my life. I can never believe he would do such a thing. Never. Those allegations reek of vindictive behaviour and t a shred of truth in m. Absolutely, 100 per cent, in solidarity with his statement below," he tweeted.

director said it was appalling how "such slanderous allegations are trying to sabot #MeToo movement in India".

"Varun is someone who is truly putting his weight and career behind for this movement. It is horribly irresponsible of whoever is behind this to malign him," he ded.

Ghaywan said his response to allegations against Grover was emotional.

"This is my truth, what I believe in and I wanted to put it out re. You can wait for truth to come in due course."