PUNJABI #ME-TOO: More Models Level Sexual Harassment Charges Against Sanghera!

Local model-actress Rachelle Michelle told Sikh women forum Kaur Movement about her bitter experience with the Punjabi music industry alleging that she was harassed by Sukh Sanghera, the director of the music video she performed in. Michelle said she had done her first-ever music video in 2019 for a Punjabi song titled ‘Bhangra Thok K’ sung by Babbal Rai. Following Michelle’s revelations about Sanghera, two more models have come forward with similar allegations against the music video maker who has so far not addressed any of the allegations. A total of 17 women have come out to level charges against Sanghera, says the Kaur Movement.

By Mr. X – Special to DESIBUZZCanada

With News Files

SURREY – A model and actress has accused Abbotsford-based music video maker Sukh Sanghera of sexual harassment.

Rachelle Michelle recently shared her bitter experience with the Punjabi music industry alleging that she was harassed by Sukh Sanghera, the director of the music video she performed in, reported online entertainment portal GhaintPunjab.

Michelle said she had done her first-ever music video in 2019 for a Punjabi song titled ‘Bhangra Thok K’ sung by Babbal Rai.

Sharing her story through the Sikh women forum Kaur Movement, Michellesaid: “Hi everyone. I never thought about coming to the point where I would be writing this. But if I could leave my footprint knowing I made a difference in young girls lives pursuing modeling or acting then it will be worth it. I had done a music video that was released in January. The artist was amazing, humble and kind, and so were the extra models etc. I was the main lead and before taking the role as the main lead I had discussed with the director verbally to make sure he gives me credit when the YouTube video is released. He agreed verbally and of-course at that time I believed him. That was a big mistake.

 “Young girls-please make sure everything is written down never believe anything by word. I worked all day and night for the music video. I was TIRED and it was during final exam season. After the music video the director would msg me and I would always respond asking when the video was coming out and reminding him to give credit for the video. The director was trying to ask me out on dates and I kept declining. It was very very obvious he has done this before many times…he was saying I was the prettiest girl he has ever met etc etc. I didn’t buy any of it. I would never ever flirt back or go on a date with him because realistically he probably just wanted to sleep with me and I was definitely not interested in him,” Michelle said

 “After the video was posted on YouTube he gave everyone credit but myself because I denied him. I encountered him on whatsaap and he said quote on quote “it’s our choice if we want to mention you, tc peace.” I felt small knowing he is using his power over me, and really upset that I provided my 100% for the music video when I could not even receive credit for what I did. Young girls please please be careful when you are modelling or going on a music video. A director should not be flirting with you after or use his power against you. You are more valuable than any music video in the world,” she concluded.

She even shared a snapshot of the song on her story to explain why she has raised her voice now and not earlier.

Following Michelle’s revelations about Sanghera, two more models have come forward with similar allegations against the music video maker who has so far not addressed any of the allegations. A total of 17 women have come out to level charges against Sanghera, says the Kaur Movement.

GhaintPunjab reported on an unidentified UK based model, who also shared with Kaur Movement: “I’ve always wanted to be a model/actor so I decided to email a few music directors because that’s where a lot of people started from and made their way up. Unfortunately a lot of them turned me down as they said they don’t work in the UK. The director that didn’t turn it down said he had a team in the UK and that he might be coming soon. I told my friends about this, that he makes music and sings too. My friend then told me this director is dirty and will probably take advantage of you as he was on the casting couch but I told him I don’t think he will. I’m talking to him like if I were to talk to my brother. But I wish I listened to him now!!!

 “Btw I emailed them in August 2019. I also found his number on Facebook so I decided to Whatsapp him just so he had my number. So a couple of months went by I didn’t really hear anything from him. I didn’t actually know what to do because I thought this guy was gonna be the one who changed my whole life and actually help me and uplift my career. In November and February 2019 he messaged me but then deleted that message so I was a bit confused so I messaged him back saying “did you say something?” in Punjabi and then he started having a conversation with me. He told me he was in England which I was so happy about because I thought oh he might actually have work for me. We had a basic convo on Whatsapp and then he added me on snap. This is where it got weird. I didn’t reply for sometime as I was at work but I didn’t really expect him to say what he said to me. He said word to word “ur cute, I like you, let’s meet up and get to know each other and then maybe u can work with me.” I honestly was so speechless and felt so disgusting after, but mostly scared! He carried on telling me how pretty and cute I was. I kept ignoring it. He also kept asking me to meet him ALONE which was really scary! He told me we could get to a hotel together and he’d pay for my Uber. I honestly was so shook to my core because I didn’t expect this! Ididn’t know he was after sex I legit thought he’d help me. I kept calling him paji (bro) and I hadda make up lie saying that I’m engaged, but he didn’t care he still carried on.

“On snapchat he said word to word “all my friends call me gay because I’m 29 and a virgin” at this point I knew he was lying so I ignored him. Then he said “can I send u a snap of it standing up?” He asked me that 3/4 times. I was on the call to my friend telling her everything because I said to her “” want to expose him because he might be taking advantage of other girls” and then she told me to take screenshots for proof. As soon as I got on snap he’ll blocked me and whatsapp. After this experience I’m disgusted with some of these punjabi music directors, they’re disgusting, how dare they take advantage of young girls. And for what reason? Imagine this happened to their sister how would they feel? I’ve never felt so low. I’m scared to follow my dreams now because of what he said. Honestly, he’s trash and deserves to be exposed so that all the girls know what kind of person he truly is,” she told Kaur Movement.

This particular post had a reply from well known Punjabi actress Wamiqa Gabbi, who quoted, “This is disgusting. These people should be Exposed. I am glad that girls are speaking up. Our Punjabi industry really needs to stop these men or women who think they can do anything and everything because they have the so-called ‘power’ to choose who to work with but “our” Punjabi industry is also a little spineless 🙂 How hard is it to just be a good human?,” Gabbi wrote.

In the comments section of this Kaur Movement post, people have been claiming that Sukh Sanghera is married and a father of two kids. People are even pointing fingers at Punjabi actress Roopi Gill, whom Sanghera launched in music videos and in Amrinder Gill’s film Ashke and Laiye Je Yarian. People are calling her Sanghera’s girlfriend.

The second story shared on Kaur Movement is that of an actress who is currently a part of the Punjabi entertainment industry but she also chose to remain unnamed. She wrote: “He said “You are very pretty. I will give you work if you sleep with me and send nasty half naked pictures on snapchat. When I confronted him he said “dekhda kaun kamm dinda tenu industry ch”he made me feel like I have no talent, he knew I was vulnerable so he thought of taking advantage of that. These things mess you up mentally and I had the same impact. I think for the longest time on shoots I was not able to trust my directors, co-actors because of this incident. Even if they said something genuine my head was like what if they do something like what he has done. This guy used his power, if you have worked with him or know him personally you will know how rude he is with everyone around him. Well just to let him know I survived without him in the industry I got work without him and that too because of my hard work. He said “I’ll give you a chance in the movies if you sleep with me”. I never spoke about this because I didn’t know there are other girls too who have been through this. To be a part of this music industry is not bad. BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR HEAD STRONG AND SAY NO TO THINGS WHICH YOU THINK ARE NOT RIGHT. Not every director is like him. I have worked with many till date. But he is someone who will do anything to sleep with other girls. He is married with a kid. I URGE EVERY GIRL TO COME OUT AND SPEAK UP THESE THINGS NEED TO COME OUT WE NEED TO EXPOSE DIRECTORS LIKE HIM.”

According to the Kaur Movement,  a total of 17 women have already come forward to reveal their truth about Sanghera, including one who tried to commit suicide.

The global MeToo movement has since resulted in major social consequences for several of those accused. Some were fired, some had to resign from their jobs, some got condemned and disassociated from members of their respective industries, and faced indignation against their actions from their fans and/or the public at large. But surprisingly, But Punjabi entertainment industyr has chosen to remain quiet on this issue as not many voices have been heard from the A-listers in support of those who’ve been harassed for work. Is it because the majority of the artists are hand in glove with the same practice? Or is it because they don’t wish to hog the limelight for this issue?,” wrote GhaintPunjab.

Punjabi music star Jasmine Sandlas has released a new song that reveals that she’s been subjected to such horror too. She quoted: “Beimaan – is a song about sex. It is a song about seeing your ex for one night. No matter how ugly or toxic the past is, you feel comfortable going there because it’s familiar. Plus, we gotta keep the numbers low sis

“P.S. In the Indian Music Industry or any other for that matter, it’s challenging being a woman of strong beliefs and an artist with unpopular opinions. Years ago, when I entered the music industry, most people either wanted to fuck me or fuck me over. I fell on my face various times. I got up every time. I am not a victim. I’m a survivor. I feel so blessed that I lived long enough to tell the story through my songs. Album #4 is currently being written in California,” Sandlas wrote.

Sukh Sanghera in his last post showed no remorse with a chilled out picture of him with a quote: “Jinke khud ke ghar sheeshe ke hote hain.. woh dusron par pathar nahi fenka karte .. jaaaniii .. tain tain tain.. tue tue tue ..” and he’s ready to release his next track too!

Punjabi artists have of late been hogging the wrong kind of limelight owing to their behavior behind the camera. A while ago Dilpreet Dhillon’s infidelity and domestic violence came to light through social media and before that Arsh Benipal and many others have been alleged of using their star status to lure attention outside their married lives, wrote Harleen Kaur, the writer of the GhaintPunajb story.

So far Sukh Sanghera has not answered the allegations, even though he posted on facebook Thursday evening that he was doing a religious project.