Actor Upasana Singh has defended Shilpa Shinde following criticism over her admission that sexual harassment allegations made against television producer Sanjay Kohli nearly a decade ago were false.
According to media reports, Shinde recently revealed on a podcast hosted by Bharti Singh that the claims she had filed during a dispute related to Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain were untrue. Her remarks prompted strong reactions from industry bodies, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA).
Singh said she was not defending the allegations but felt Shinde should be acknowledged for publicly admitting her mistake. “She made a mistake, realised it and apologised,” Singh said, adding that Shinde had shown remorse by speaking openly about it.
Singh, who has worked with Shinde on several projects, also described her as supportive towards junior artists and crew members.
She further suggested that the circumstances of the original dispute should be considered, pointing to possible frustration at the time. However, AICWA has called for strict action, stating that false allegations can cause lasting damage to reputation and livelihood.
