Let people work until proven guilty: Aditya on Anu
Music composer Anu Malik is back on the judging panel of a popular singing-based reality show, after being removed from it last year, following sexual misconduct charges.
Asked about the makers’ decision of rehiring Anu, the show’s host, singer Aditya Narayan, says, “Anuji is one of the most loved and respected musicians. In fact, I owe a lot to him because I sang my first Bollywood song for him for Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995).”
Not wanting to make any comment that may come across as judgemental, Aditya adds, “I have immense respect for him but honestly you don’t know anyone completely. You don’t know every single aspect of their life. There is no point for me to comment on Anuji and his life. As far I know, he is a wonderful human being. He has always been nice to me. These allegations come from the opposite gender.”
The singer, however, asserts that he fully supports the #MeToo movement. “Women should not be treated the way they have allegedly been treated. Everything has to go through the order of the law, and I hope our jury takes the right decision,” says Aditya.
He also says that if one has not been legally proven wrong, they should not be barred from working.
“If a person has not been legally charged of doing something...then you can’t really hold a gun to their head and expect them to sit at home. Anuji has a family. He has two wonderful daughters. I am sure the girls are in that age where they need to be supported.” Maintaining his stance, he says, “Until proven otherwise, I think you should let the people who are allegedly accused to continue to work.”