Shibpur controversy: Swastika Mukherjee says she received neither 'apology' nor film's 'marketing plan'

Speaking to IBNS on the entire episode, Swastika said, "I would not have attended the trailer launch even if I was in the city. I don't need sympathy. During the meeting of EIMPA, it was decided that Sandip Sarkar's name as producer will be removed and he will offer an apology.

"The name was removed but no apology has come yet. Moreover, producers are calling the entire incident a misunderstanding. Sexual harassment and death threats coming on mail can't be a misunderstanding and I have all proofs of it. So there is no room for misunderstanding."

The film was embroiled in a controversy after Swastika accused co-producer Sandeep Sarkar of sexual harassment.

Swastika claimed she was threatened by Sandeep and associates to "cooperate". Sandeep had threatened her saying he had her morphed, nude pictures and would leak them on pornography websites, the actress alleged.

Days after she decided to skip the trailer launch event, Swastika said she was "committed" to the film despite not receiving any marketing plan from the makers.

"The entire harassment occurred on the basis of whether I would skip the film's marketing. I am yet to receive any marketing plan for the film, which is set to release on 30th June. I will fulfill my professional commitments because it's my film and I am the protagonist," she told IBNS.

Last Tuesday, Swastika, who had filed a complaint with police over the incident, wrote on Facebook, "To all my journalist friends who have been calling and msging me for the past few days to ask whether I will be attending the trailer launch of my film #Shibpur, well I will not. I am not in Kolkata but even if I was in the city I would not have attended.

"Anyone telling you otherwise is lying. Sexual harassment is not a joke and there is no forgiveness for it. And neither is there any redemption. The producers may think all is chill and cool but IT IS NOT. IT WILL NEVER BE. But #Shibpur is my film and I will definitely share the trailer for my followers and fans. Thank you."

'Shibpur', a political thriller based on the rampant criminal activities of Howrah Shibpur in the 1980s, is directed by Arindam Bhattacharya. Apart from Swastika, the film features Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Kharaj Mukherjee in key roles.

While Swastika plays a woman who rises from a housewife to a mafia gang leader, Parambrata is an IPS officer in the film.