Abhay refuses to rape

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Salman Priyanka Fan

@DevilishSaira

Voyager

Posted: 20 years ago

By: Tushar Joshi
January 24, 2006

Abhay Vakil

The scriptwriters of Zee's Paalkhi are busy reworking on a scene that has lead actor Abhay Vakil (Pranjal) raping co-actor Karisma Tanna (Palak). Sources on the show indicate that as soon as Abhay was narrated the scene he refused outright to be a part of the shot.

When contacted Abhay confirmed this development and added, "Yes it is true that I had my reservations over that particular scene. As per the track it is shown that Pranjal (the evil brother) is married to Palak.

However she refuses to get into any physical relation with him until they develop feelings for each other. But they wanted to show him succumb to his desires and committing the act of rape."

Parents kya kahenge?

The actor adds that one of the main reasons for his refusal was the fact that his parents would watch it on TV. "I think rape is a serious issue, and it cannot be dealt as something trivial. I know there are families who watch my show and I personally wasn't at ease doing the rape scene. It's just something my values and ethics go against."

I've said no before

When asked if he had issues with the story and the script he said, "I don't have anything against the story. The writers are doing a great job, but there was no way I could have been shown enacting a rape scene.

In fact, I was initially offered a film with a negative role where I was asked to do something similar and I refused it. So how can I compromise on it now?"

Abhay states that the channel understood his stand and has decided to re-work the scene. "They said not many actors take such a rigid stand, but I am glad they understood my point of view,"he adds.

Only heard not seen

As per the recent development it is learnt that the episode will only have a verbal mention of it. "We did have a meeting regarding this and from what I understand the viewers will get a feeling that the act was committed through our dialogues. There won't be any particular visual scene," says Vakil.