04 June,2026 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Hina Khan and Shilpa Shinde (Pictures via Instagram)
Television actress Hina Khan has reacted strongly to Shilpa Shinde's recent admission that the sexual harassment case she filed against Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain producer Sanjay Kohli was false. The revelation, which came nearly nine years after the controversy first surfaced, has sparked widespread debate within the entertainment industry.
Shilpa recently appeared on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa's podcast, where she confessed that the sexual harassment allegation was untrue. She claimed she had filed the complaint during a difficult period when she felt cornered amid her dispute with the producers of the popular sitcom. Her admission quickly drew criticism from several industry members and social media users.
Among those expressing concern was Hina Khan, who called the situation deeply troubling. Speaking to the media, Hina stressed that false allegations can have serious consequences, not only for the accused but also for genuine victims who struggle to be heard and believed.
Reacting to Shilpa's statement, Hina said, "This is very unfortunate. It is because of such incidents that people often doubt real victims when they come forward with their experiences."
The actress emphasized that complaints related to sexual harassment should never be treated lightly. According to her, making false accusations weakens the credibility of legitimate cases and can discourage survivors from speaking up.
"When someone falsely accuses another person, it affects everyone involved. It damages reputations and also creates skepticism around genuine complaints," Hina added.
The controversy dates back to 2016 when Shilpa exited Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain following a bitter fallout with the show's producers. At the time, she accused the makers of harassment, contract violations and non-payment of dues. She also filed a sexual harassment complaint against producer Sanjay Kohli, allegations that generated significant attention across the television industry.
During the recent podcast, Shilpa admitted, "Woh jhooth tha," while discussing the case. She explained that she felt she had no alternative during the legal and professional battle surrounding her exit from the show. She further revealed that the matter was eventually resolved through a settlement and that both parties had agreed not to discuss the issue publicly.
Hina's comments reflect a broader concern being voiced across the industry. Several celebrities and observers have argued that false allegations can undermine years of progress made in encouraging victims to report workplace harassment.
As reactions continue to pour in, the controversy has reignited conversations about accountability, responsible use of legal protections and the importance of ensuring that genuine cases receive the support and credibility they deserve.
