Hansal Mehta Breaks Silence on Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against ‘Homebound’ Cinematographer Pratik Shah
As allegations of sexual misconduct emerge against cinematographer Pratik Shah, known for his work on the upcoming film Homebound, filmmaker Hansal Mehta has stepped forward to demand transparency, accountability, and immediate action. In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Mehta condemned the silence that enables predators and called for cultural reform within the film industry.
Abuse Thrives in Silence, Says Hansal Mehta
Renowned for socially conscious films like Aligarh and Shahid, Hansal Mehta has long championed voices that often go unheard. Now, with accusations surfacing against Pratik Shah, Mehta’s statement underscores the urgency for the Indian entertainment industry to confront systemic abuse and create safer professional spaces.
“Abuse thrives in silence. It festers in fear,” Mehta began in his public note. “Predatory behaviour by men in positions of power must be investigated thoroughly, and if found true, must be called out — unequivocally, and without delay.”
His message, though not directly naming Shah, was unmistakably contextual, following rising discussions online about allegations against the Homebound cinematographer. Mehta highlighted how many powerful men have historically escaped accountability by leveraging influence, privilege, and intimidation tactics.
“For too long, predators have weaponised influence, privilege, and fear to silence survivors. That silence must be broken,” Mehta emphasized.
Not Just Men: Power and Abuse Beyond Gender
While Mehta focused primarily on predatory behavior by men in positions of power, he also addressed the broader dynamics of abuse, recognizing that toxic behavior transcends gender.
“Women in positions of authority, too, have inflicted harm. Abuse has many forms. It is not always sexual. Mental, emotional and psychological abuse can be just as scarring. Just as violating,” he wrote, pushing for an expansive and inclusive understanding of what workplace harm can look like.
A Call for Systemic Change in Creative Workspaces
Citing the often-toxic nature of creative environments, Mehta criticized the romanticization of harmful behavior under the guise of artistic genius.
“Workspaces — especially creative ones — often cloak toxicity in the name of ‘passion’ or ‘genius.’ That must stop. No art, no film, no script is worth the cost of someone’s safety or sanity,” he stated.
In a pointed critique of the entertainment industry, Mehta argued that creative environments must not offer immunity to those who misuse power. His statement echoed the concerns many have raised since the #MeToo movement erupted in India in 2018, where similar patterns of abuse and complicity were exposed.
Accountability Is Culture Correction, Not Cancel Culture
Importantly, Mehta made a clear distinction between cancel culture and genuine accountability. He advocated for a system that not only listens to survivors but also acts decisively.
“Victims need voice. They need redress. They need a system that listens — and acts. Accountability is not cancel culture. It is culture correction,” Mehta wrote.
He concluded with a rallying cry for a safer, more ethical industry. “We owe it to ourselves, and to those who come after us, to make our spaces safer. Cleaner. Kinder. Call out the predators. Call out the habitual abuser. Hold them accountable. Let no power be above decency.”
Dharma Productions Issues Statement on Pratik Shah’s Role
As the controversy gained attention, Homebound producer Dharma Productions issued a formal statement clarifying Shah’s association with the project. According to the production house, Pratik Shah was hired as a freelancer for a limited duration and is no longer affiliated with the film.
“Mr. Pratik Shah was a freelancer on the project Homebound and was working on it for a limited period. His engagement with us has been completed,” the statement read.
Dharma Productions also emphasized its strict adherence to workplace safety protocols, noting that no complaints were filed during Shah’s tenure.
“During this limited period, our internal committee for POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) didn’t receive any complaints against him from any cast or crew on our film Homebound.”
Industry Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Workplace Misconduct
The allegations against Pratik Shah, though currently unverified in public forums, have reignited important discussions around workplace abuse and gender dynamics in the Indian film industry. While the formal details of the accusations have yet to be made public, Hansal Mehta’s intervention has lent credibility to the growing demand for greater vigilance and accountability.
This development adds to the long list of instances where prominent individuals in Indian cinema have faced allegations of misconduct. In the past, actors, producers, and directors—including high-profile names—have faced backlash for similar accusations, many of which were eventually dropped due to lack of formal complaints or settlements outside the court system.
The renewed focus on this issue now signals a possible shift in how the industry and its stakeholders approach workplace behavior, particularly in freelance and short-term contractual arrangements.
Silence, Stigma, and the Power of Solidarity
One of the key challenges in addressing sexual misconduct in industries like film and television is the silence that often surrounds such incidents. Victims, especially women in junior positions, frequently remain silent due to fear of professional repercussions, social stigma, and a lack of institutional support.
Hansal Mehta’s stance, therefore, represents a significant moment of allyship. His words align with a growing movement within Indian cinema advocating not just for reactionary measures but for cultural overhaul—from top-down protections to systemic reform.
While Shah has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, the call for inquiry and transparency is growing louder.
What Happens Next?
As of now, there are no formal legal complaints or investigations reported in the public domain against Pratik Shah. It remains to be seen whether the allegations will lead to formal proceedings or remain within the bounds of online discourse and institutional statements.
However, Hansal Mehta’s statement is likely to put pressure on production companies, industry guilds, and regulatory bodies to revisit their internal grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure robust, survivor-friendly processes.
Final Thought:
In an industry where power imbalance and glamour often cloak misconduct, public voices like Hansal Mehta’s are critical to cultural course correction. The allegations against Pratik Shah are a stark reminder that the battle for safe and inclusive workspaces in cinema is far from over. As the industry awaits further clarity, the onus lies not just on institutions, but on every individual with influence to amplify truth, encourage justice, and foster change.