In this comprehensive article, we delve into the life and career of Navina Bole, the details of her recent allegations against filmmaker Sajid Khan, and the broader context of workplace sexual harassment in India. You’ll learn who Navina Bole is, the specifics of the misconduct she experienced, how it aligns with the 2018 #MeToo movement, and practical steps for anyone facing similar situations. We also examine the legal framework under India’s POSH Act, offer actionable advice for actors and content creators, and explore how the industry can become safer.
TV actress Navina Bole, known for her memorable roles in popular shows like Miley Jab Hum Tum and Ishqbaaaz, recently accused director Sajid Khan of sexual harassment during a private casting meet, where he allegedly asked her to “take your clothes off” and “sit in lingerie” to assess her comfort level. Her brave disclosure not only adds to the list of allegations against Khan dating back to the 2018 MeToo wave but also reignites conversations about audition room safety in Bollywood.
Who Is Navina Bole?
Early Life and Training
Navina Bole was born in Mumbai on October 30, 1983, and holds a commerce degree alongside formal training in Bharatanatyam dance IMDb. Before entering television, she built a successful modeling career, featuring in commercials for brands such as Fair & Lovely, Dabur Vatika, Chevrolet, Reliance, and Nokia.
Television Breakthrough and Highlights
- Miley Jab Hum Tum (2008): Portrayed Diya Bhushan, marking her breakout role.
- Jeannie Aur Juju (2014): Played Priya, showcasing her versatility in comedy.
- Ishqbaaaz (2016): Featured as Tia, earning praise for her nuanced performance.
- Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2017–2020): Appeared in episodic roles as Dr. Monica and Dr. Sara, expanding her presence in long-running series.
Her career spans over two decades, including episodic roles in crime dramas (C.I.D., Savdhaan India), mythological serials (Shobha Somnath Ki), and most recently, web series such as Honeymoon Suite Room No. 911 (2023) and Raseeli Raatien (2024).
The Allegations Against Sajid Khan
Background: MeToo Movement and Sajid Khan’s Prior Accusations
Sajid Khan, a prominent Bollywood director, was a focal point of India’s #MeToo movement in October 2018, when multiple women—including Saloni Chopra, Sherlyn Chopra, Aahana Kumra, and Rachel White—publicly accused him of unwanted advances, groping, and casting couch propositions. Despite an initial ban by the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), he later resumed work, sparking debates about accountability in the industry.
Navina Bole’s Experience: Key Details
Navina Bole recalls a private meeting at Khan’s home during a casting for his project in 2004, where he allegedly told her, “Take Your Clothes Off, Sit In Lingerie” to gauge her comfort level, stating, “I need to see how comfortable you are” Bollywood Hungama. Shocked by the inappropriate nature of the demand, she refused and left, an incident she says left her traumatized for years before summoning the courage to speak out now.
Impact and Aftermath
Industry and Public Response
Following Bole’s revelation, social media erupted with support for her bravery, while discussions resurfaced about safeguarding auditions and the lingering stigma victims face when reporting harassment. Although Sajid Khan has not issued a direct statement regarding Bole’s specific allegation, his past denials following the 2018 accusations suggest he may continue to refute these claims publicly.
Legal and Professional Recourse
Victims of workplace harassment in India are protected under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), which mandates any organization with 10 or more employees to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address grievances. Although the Act does not explicitly extend to informal auditions, model contracts or casting agencies can voluntarily adopt POSH-like guidelines to ensure safer environments.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in Auditions
Definition and Forms
Sexual harassment in India encompasses unwelcome physical contact, requests for sexual favors, showing pornography, and other non-verbal or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. In audition contexts, it can manifest as coercive demands under the guise of “comfort checks” or nudity requirements, exploiting the power imbalance between casting directors and actors.
What To Do If You Face Harassment
- Document Everything: Note the date, time, location, and exact words used by the harasser.
- Seek Support: Confide in trusted colleagues, mentors, or professional bodies like CINTAA (Cine and Television Artists Association).
- Legal Notice: Consider sending a legal notice through a lawyer outlining your experience and asking for accountability.
- File a Police Complaint: If you feel endangered, you can file an FIR under Section 354A of the IPC, which penalizes sexual harassment with up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
Building a Safer Industry
Role of Casting Directors and Agencies
- Implement an ICC: Even small agencies can form a complaints committee modeled after the POSH Act.
- Clear Policies: Publish transparent audition policies that prohibit any request for nudity or inappropriate conduct.
- Training: Conduct mandatory workshops on harassment prevention for all staff.
Empowering Actors with Knowledge
Actors and models should:
- Read Contracts Carefully: Look for clauses on audition conduct and grievance redressal.
- Network: Join unions like CINTAA or IWPA (Indian Women’s Press Association) for solidarity and guidance.
- Speak Out: Share experiences responsibly to foster change without fear of blacklisting.
FAQs
Who is Navina Bole?
Navina Bole is an Indian television and web series actress, recognized for roles in Miley Jab Hum Tum, Jeannie Aur Juju, and Ishqbaaaz.
What did Navina Bole accuse Sajid Khan of?
She alleged that during a 2004 audition meet at his home, Sajid Khan asked her to “take off her clothes” and “sit in lingerie” to see how comfortable she was, constituting sexual harassment.
When did the alleged incident occur?
The incident dates back to a private meeting in 2004, as detailed by Bole in her recent disclosures published on April 28, 2025.
Has Sajid Khan responded to these allegations?
As of now, Sajid Khan has not publicly addressed Navina Bole’s specific claims, though he previously denied other MeToo-era allegations and was temporarily banned by IFTDA in 2018.
Conclusion
Navina Bole’s courageous stand against Sajid Khan’s alleged misconduct underscores the urgent need for robust audition safeguards and industry-wide adherence to anti-harassment norms. By knowing your rights under the POSH Act, documenting incidents, and leveraging professional networks, you can protect yourself and others from similar abuses. Navina Bole’s revelation serves as both a warning and a call to action: only collective vigilance and transparent policies will ensure auditions remain safe spaces for artists.
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