As a video of singer Angarag Mahanta forcefully kissing an under-aged participant goes viral, channel cracks the whip even as singer maintains it was a harmless act
Papon
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Hours after a video of Bollywood singer Angarag Mahanta, aka Papon, kissing a minor contestant from reality show The Voice Kids surfaced online, top brass of &TV (the channel that airs the show) had a three-hour meeting to decide the singer's fate as a judge on the show.
A screen grab from the video that went viral
mid-day has learnt that the singer will be missing from the shoot of the show's next episode, scheduled for early next week. A source close to Papon revealed, "Only two episodes of the season are left to be shot. Papon will be skipping the shoot slated for Tuesday and Wednesday. They are supposed to film the season finale over the two days. Even if he hasn't been fired, in light of the incident, he'd want to excuse himself from the show."
Papon says sorry
The Assamese singer found himself in the midst of a controversy when a video uploaded on his official Facebook page saw him kissing a minor contestant, as the team celebrated Holi. Terming the act "inappropriate", Supreme Court lawyer Runa Bhuyan filed a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights against the singer under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act.
Also read: Papon issues a statement on accusation of allegedly kissing a minor on TV show
While his lawyer Gaurang Kanth said on a TV channel that Papon "only gave a peck" and it was "his way of showing affection", Papon issued a statement saying it was "a case of faulty camera angles, and an accidental move, not a sexual assault".
Stating that he was "an extremely affectionate and expressive person", Papon further said, "To show affection for an 11-year-old child, who I have been mentoring for a while now, is not an alien concept for me. Please do remember that it's a video on my own Facebook Live, and stop for a moment and wonder why I would myself promote a video where I am 'apparently' doing all the unmentionable things that I am being accused of... However, this is not to say that I haven't made a mistake. I might have done it spontaneously, but in today's environment, to touch a girl child, however innocent your thoughts are, is not advisable. I am sorry for that."
Guidelines flouted?
The girl's parents refused to lodge a complaint against him, and instead issued a statement that said the singer is "a mentor and a father figure to my daughter, and has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams... What you saw in the video is not intentional. It was just a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise". The incident comes to light at a time when there has been an intense debate about reality shows featuring children. Not too long ago, director Shoojit Sircar had expressed his reservations and called for a ban on kids' reality shows.
While National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had revised its guidelines in 2011 to prevent exploitation of children, the channel and production house here appeared to be flouting the guidelines - the contestants were with the singer inside his vanity van, without any supervision. The guidelines state that staff must ensure they "avoid physical contact with children and young people except for reasons of health and safety, or under supervision".
When accused of flouting the laws pertaining to working with kids, the channel claimed to have always "adhered to the NCPCR guidelines". Its statement read, "Our production house, Essel Vision Productions Limited, has taken all precautionary measures required under NCPCR and other laws. We believe in nurturing talent with utmost sensitivity and care while we provide them the platform to showcase their aptitude. As a responsible channel, we are extending complete support to all parties who are impacted by this incident and will stand by them to help them through this situation."
Industry reactions
A musician, friend of Papon
'Papon is a nice guy. But is also the sort of guy who falls on people unwittingly and doesn't know his boundaries. If he has indeed kissed the girl on the lips, then there is something wrong. Also, his reaction to the video being filmed makes it seem weird. But if the girl's father has released a statement exonerating him, that, I think, should be the end of it'
Father of another contestant
'Let me tell you guys about Papon. I have never seen such a lovely and down-to-earth person as him in this field. My daughter respects and loves him... he is her inspiration. When she learnt about this, she had tears in her eyes and said all this [allegation] was rubbish. She said, "dad, my upbringing is such that I can make out good [touch] and bad [touch], and I have always got good vibes from Papon sir". His love for our kids is parental. I request all citizens to stop all this'
Amol Gupte, filmmaker
'My crew has always been given strict instructions not to go near kids without reason. When on set, the kids are my responsibility. I haven't watched the video and neither do I wish to, but I can tell you that people need to weigh how they show their affection towards kids. Aapka bachcha nahin hai, aur agar ho bhi toh you don't have to maul them to show how much you love them. People should be more refined while dealing with children'
Anurag Basu, judge on Super Dancer
'I still need to read up on this incident. As far as being a judge on children's reality show is considered, the channel and production house always make sure that someone from the family is always present with the kids [on the set]. This is my third show and I have never seen a child without their parent or legal guardian on the set'
Merzi Pestonji, mentor on Dance India Dance Li'l Masters
'I cannot comment as I've not seen the video yet. But there has never been a situation where the children are on the set without their parents or guardians. [In terms of interacting with the kids], everyone knows where the limit ends. We have judged dance shows for sometime now, so we know where to draw the line'
Pravin Ghuge, chairperson, MSCPCR
'A very serious issue has been brought to light through this video... The national commission has already asked us for details in the case. State commission too will take serious cognisance of the incident. After collecting primary information, we will decide the further course of action.'
Also read - Papon kissing row: Musicians stand by singer amidst controversial video
'Our notice stands'
NCPCR chairperson Stuti Kacker said, "Statements may be issued by different people now, but we have to move within the ambit of the legal framework. We will be setting up an inquiry and have sent notices to Papon and the TV channel." NCPCR member Kanungo said, "We have sent the notices by email; they need to answer in writing within seven days. This is in keeping with our procedure." When told about reports stating that the girl's parents did not have a problem with Papon's action, Kanungo added, "It is not about who says what now. The POCSO Act, 2012, states it is the duty of a person who has knowledge that a child is being harassed to report the offence to the police."
Inputs by Hemal Ashar
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