'Why did you go home?': Bakhtyar Irani questions Navina Bole's harassment claims on Sajid Khan, Actress slams

Bakhtyar Irani, known for his television roles, recently criticized actress Navina Bole after she accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment in an interview. Navina, who appeared in shows like Ishqbaaz and Mile Jab Hum Tum, shared troubling memories from a meeting that took place in 2004 or 2006 during her involvement in Heyy Babyy casting. In the interview with Subhojit Ghosh, Navina said she was called to Sajid’s house for a professional meeting. During the visit, she claimed, he asked her to remove her clothes and sit in her lingerie so he could assess “how comfortable” she appeared on camera.

As she recalled, “There is this terrible, terrible man who I would never want to meet in my life called Sajid Khan… He said, ‘Why don’t you just get off your clothes and sit in your lingerie? I need to see how comfortable you are in your body.’”

Navina explained she was uncomfortable and managed to leave the meeting. She also shared that Sajid made around 50 phone calls asking why she hadn’t returned.

Once the video clip circulated on social media, Bakhtyar Irani responded in the comments, raising doubts about the timing and location of the meeting. He wrote, “Sorry but why did you go home for a meeting? Meetings normally happen at offices or public places… When did this happen? Why didn’t you come out then? With all due respect to all women, it is high time we stop giving interviews after 30 days of the incident… That much time is enough to get brains and courage.”

Sorry but why did you go home for a meeting? Meetings normally happen at offices or public places… When did this happen?

- Bakhtyar Irani

Navina quickly addressed his criticism, pointing out that her interview clarified she believed she was going to an office, but ended up at a residence. She stated, “Firstly, it is saddening that you would question the authenticity of what I have said… The interview starts with me saying I went assuming it was his office, which turned out to be his residence. It happened in 2006. Watch the entire podcast to know the details. Not that I even owe someone like you an explanation.”

She firmly rejected victim-blaming, adding, “Also, this was in response to a question I was asked regarding my experience with the casting couch. I did not call the press or initiate talking about it. So please, next time you cast aspersions on anyone, think twice. I have brains and courage and thus spoke my truth - and I stand by it.”

Navina also shared a statement on her Instagram story, “Never wrong to do the right thing. Some people need to be set straight. Stop victim blaming.”

The exchange has sparked debate online—some applaud Navina’s bravery in speaking out years later, while others back Irani’s point about timing and context. This clash highlights the ongoing conversation about how to deal with allegations from the past, victim accountability, and public scrutiny.