Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh faces backlash after inappropriately touching co-star Anjali Raghav’s waist on stage

Bhojpuri actor and singer Pawan Singh has come under intense scrutiny after a video from a promotional event surfaced on social media. The footage captures him placing his hand on the waist of his co-star Anjali Raghav during the event, triggering widespread outrage among viewers over his conduct.Incident During Song LaunchReportedly, the incident happened during the launch event of Singh’s song ‘Saiya Seva Kare’, which stars Anjali as well. In the widely circulated video, Anjali, wearing a saree, appears clearly uneasy when Singh places his hand on her waist, stating that he was trying to remove something that was stuck there. He can also be heard telling her to remain still, mentioning that he thought he saw an insect.Public Reaction and CriticismDespite Anjali’s uneasy smile and lack of verbal objection during the event, numerous netizens condemned the actor for making physical contact without her permission. Comment sections on social media were filled with users denouncing the behavior as "inappropriate" and "unprofessional."Social Media OutcryResponding to the video, one user on X (formerly Twitter) stated, "Indian men don't know the concept of Consent. And it gets even worse in UP-Bihar

This is so-called Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh. Imagine what his fans will be learning from him."

Another user criticized, "When public figures like Pawan Singh normalize misogyny, it trickles down to their audience. This isn’t entertainment, it’s the glorification of rape culture. Consent is non-negotiable, and India desperately needs to learn that." A separate comment read, "When someone idolizes such behavior, it normalizes disrespect.

Fans need better role models."No Official Response YetSo far, neither Singh nor Anjali has made any public statement regarding the controversy.Career HighlightsSingh rose to fame with the song ‘Lollypop Lagelu’, which turned into a cultural sensation. Throughout his career, he has appeared in numerous successful Bhojpuri movies, building a large and loyal fan base. His most recent film, ‘Jio Meri Jaan’, was released in 2024.