08 June,2026 11:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Upasana Singh and Shilpa Shinde (Pictures via Instagram)
Actor Upasana Singh has extended support to Shilpa Shinde amid the controversy surrounding the actress' admission that she had filed a false sexual harassment complaint in the past. While Shilpa's statement has triggered strong reactions from several quarters, Upasana urged people not to judge her entirely based on one incident.
Speaking about the backlash, Upasana described Shilpa as a "wonderful person" and defended her character despite the ongoing criticism. "She is a wonderful person. Haven't people made mistakes?" Upasana said, adding that one mistake should not define an individual's entire personality.
The controversy erupted after Shilpa Shinde admitted that a sexual harassment complaint she had once filed against filmmaker Ashoke Pandit was false. Her revelation reignited discussions about accountability, the impact of false allegations, and their effect on genuine victims of harassment.
Reacting to the situation, Upasana stressed that making mistakes is part of being human. "Everyone makes mistakes in life. If someone has accepted it, then that should also be considered," she said. The actress suggested that while people have the right to express their opinions, there should also be room for understanding and forgiveness.
Upasana further pointed out that public figures often face intense scrutiny, with their errors becoming subjects of widespread debate. "We are all human beings. Sometimes people take wrong decisions. That doesn't mean everything about them is wrong," she remarked.
Her comments come at a time when opinions remain sharply divided. While some have appreciated Shilpa's honesty in acknowledging her actions, others have argued that false allegations can cause serious harm to those accused and can also weaken trust in genuine cases of workplace harassment.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who was named in the complaint, strongly criticised Shilpa's admission and called it damaging for real survivors seeking justice. His remarks sparked further discussion across the entertainment industry, with several personalities weighing in on the matter.
However, Upasana chose to focus on Shilpa's personal qualities rather than the controversy alone. "I know her as a good human being. We shouldn't forget all the good things about a person because of one mistake," she said.
As the debate continues, Upasana Singh's remarks offer a contrasting perspective one that balances accountability with empathy. By saying, "Haven't people made mistakes?" the actress highlighted the importance of allowing individuals an opportunity to acknowledge their errors, learn from them, and move forward.
