Popular Haryanvi actress Anjali Raghav, widely recognized for her appearances in hit regional music videos, has announced her exit from the Bhojpuri entertainment industry. The decision comes after a viral video surfaced online showing Bhojpuri actor and singer Pawan Singh allegedly touching her inappropriately during a public event in Lucknow.
The incident, which occurred while the two were promoting their recently released song Saiya Seva Kare, has sparked outrage among fans and industry circles. After days of silence, Anjali Raghav released a series of videos on social media to share her side of the story, condemn the actor’s actions, and explain why she chose not to react immediately on stage.
The Viral Video and Public Backlash
The controversy erupted when a clip from the promotional event began circulating on social media. In the video, Pawan Singh is seen pointing towards Anjali’s waist and allegedly touching her without consent. The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism of Pawan Singh’s behavior as well as questions about why Anjali did not respond on stage.
As the video gained traction, Anjali faced a wave of comments and direct messages from fans. Some expressed disappointment at her silence, while others accused her of smiling during the incident and even “enjoying” it. The actress revealed that these assumptions deeply distressed her and pushed her to clarify what really happened.
Anjali’s Explanation: “I Didn’t Know What to Do at That Moment”
In her statement, Anjali explained the sequence of events and her state of mind on stage. She recalled that while addressing the audience, Pawan Singh pointed towards her waist and remarked that “something was stuck there.” At that moment, she assumed that the tag of her new saree or blouse might be visible, and she chose to smile it off to avoid embarrassment.
“I thought it was just a wardrobe issue that I could fix later. That’s why I continued smiling and addressing the audience,” she said.
However, Pawan Singh insisted again, leading her to believe that there really was something stuck. Later, when she asked her team about it, they assured her there was nothing visible. That realization, she admitted, left her shaken.
“I felt very bad, I got angry, and I even cried afterwards. But at that moment, I didn’t know what to do. I was in front of a large audience, and I was shocked,” she explained.
Plans to Confront Pawan Singh
पवन सिंह ने खुले मंच पर एक्ट्रेस के साथ की गंदी हरकत, लाइव शो के दौरान अपनी को-स्टार अंजलि राघव की कमर को टच किया।अंजलि राघव ने भोजपुरी इंडस्ट्री को कहा गुडबॉय#PawanSingh #AnjaliRaghav #BhojpuriCinema #Controversy #LiveShow #ViralVideo #EntertainmentNews #BhojpuriIndustry pic.twitter.com/SB3WWEdWeh
— FirstBiharJharkhand (@firstbiharnews) August 30, 2025
According to Anjali, she had initially decided to confront Pawan Singh backstage after the event. However, the actor left the venue soon after making reels with other creators, and she did not get the opportunity to address the matter directly.
The next day, when she returned home, she found that the controversy had only escalated further. Friends and colleagues advised her not to release a statement immediately, fearing that Pawan Singh’s powerful public relations machinery could manipulate the narrative against her.
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“People told me to stay quiet because his PR team is very strong. They said the matter could turn against me. Initially, I thought the issue might die down in a day or two. But instead, it grew bigger and bigger,” she said.
Criticism of Victim-Blaming
One of the major reasons Anjali chose to speak out was the barrage of online criticism directed at her instead of Pawan Singh. Many questioned why she did not slap him on stage or stop him immediately. Some even used memes to mock her smile during the incident, which she clarified was a misunderstanding.
“Would I feel happy or enjoy it if someone touched me in public without my consent?” she asked firmly.
She emphasized that no woman should be touched without her permission, regardless of the circumstances. “It is wrong in the first place. And to touch someone in this way is beyond wrong,” she said.
Decision to Quit Bhojpuri Industry
In her concluding remarks, Anjali announced that she would no longer be working in the Bhojpuri film and music industry. She noted that while she is always open to exploring new opportunities as an artist, her primary focus will remain in the Haryanvi industry, where she has built her career and loyal audience.
“I will not work in the Bhojpuri industry anymore. I am happy with my family and with my work in Haryana. If this had happened in my state, I wouldn’t even have had to say anything. The public itself would have responded. But since this happened in Lucknow, I had to face it differently,” she explained.
Industry Reactions and Broader Debate
The incident has once again reignited discussions around women’s safety and respect in the entertainment industry. While Pawan Singh has not yet issued a detailed public response to Anjali’s accusations, the controversy continues to stir debate about power dynamics, consent, and victim-blaming in showbiz.
For many fans, Anjali’s decision to walk away highlights the difficult choices women often face when confronted with misconduct by influential male colleagues. Her statement has also been praised by supporters who see it as a strong stand against inappropriate behavior and silence around such issues.
Anjali Raghav’s revelations have added a new chapter to ongoing conversations about consent, respect, and accountability in the entertainment industry. While her decision to leave Bhojpuri cinema marks the end of one professional journey, she remains committed to her career in Haryanvi music and films.
Her powerful message is clear: no artist, regardless of fame or influence, has the right to touch another without consent. By speaking up, Anjali Raghav has not only defended her dignity but also encouraged others to question and challenge misconduct in public and professional spaces.
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