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‘Dignity on stage is non-negotiable’: Actor and ex-TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty alleges harassment during performance in Bangaon, files police complaint

While Mimi Chakraborty filed a complaint against one of the organisers of the Republic Day event in Bangaon, they have denied her allegations.

Actor and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty. (File Photo)Actor and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty. (File Photo)

Actor and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty has alleged that she was asked to leave the stage mid-performance during a Republic Day programme Sunday night in Bangaon in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, sparking controversy.

Chakraborty filed a police complaint in connection with the incident Monday against one of the organisers, identified as Tanmay Shastri, who have denied her allegations.

“The incident on Sunday night was organised in the Nayagram area of Bangaon town. It is alleged that one of the organisers climbed onto the stage mid-performance, stopped the programme abruptly, and asked the actor to leave without prior communication. She has submitted a complaint via email. We are looking into it,” said a senior police officer.

According to Chakraborty, the incident occurred while she was performing at an event organised by the Naya Gopal Gunj Yubak Sango Club. She claimed that a man suddenly climbed onto the stage, interrupted her performance, and demanded that she leave without prior notice, an act she described as insulting and disrespectful.

“As we celebrate Republic Day, we speak of freedom and equality. But the independence and dignity of women and artists are still too easily violated. I have built my image and career on my own over the years. Staying silent today would only normalise the humiliation of artists… Mid-performance, I was abruptly asked to leave the stage without any prior communication, in front of the audience. There were many people waiting to see me and meet me, including fans who had come for a picture,” Chakraborty posted on her X handle.

“Leaving the stage that way, followed by derogatory remarks on the microphone, was not just humiliating, it defamed me publicly. I left quietly to maintain decorum. I have now taken the matter to the appropriate legal authorities and believe in due process. If I keep quiet today, this behaviour will be repeated tomorrow.

Dignity on stage is non-negotiable,” she wrote.

No police permission after 12 am

The incident quickly escalated into a public dispute, with both Chakraborty and the organisers levelling serious allegations against each other, triggering widespread discussion on social media.

The organisers, however, denied Chakraborty’s allegations, saying she arrived nearly one-and-a-half hours late for the event. They said that while she was paid for the performance and treated with respect, they were compelled to ask her to stop as the programme had police permission only until midnight.

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“We had permission till 12. So post 12, she was asked to stop the performance as we had no further police permission,” one organiser told local media.

Chakraborty also shared messages of support from fans and reiterated that women artists are “always expected to adjust, endure, and remain silent”.

“I am sharing a few messages from my dear viewers those who stood by me with love, support, and care. This love gives me strength and makes me more resilient. The pressure is much higher for female artists; we are always expected to adjust, endure, and remain silent. If we speak up, we are labeled ‘difficult’ or ‘problematic.’ If we stay silent, the same behavior repeats. We have to move forward amidst this conflict.”

She also claimed that she waited in her car for more than 20 minutes before going on stage to avoid disrupting another artist’s performance.

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“I have built my career on self-respect, hard work, and discipline. I waited in my car for over 20 minutes behind the stage just to ensure I didn’t disrespect another artist who was still performing. Despite that, when faced with false and baseless allegations, I chose the legal path of accountability rather than revenge. If we don’t draw a clear line today, the same thing will keep happening to others tomorrow,” she said.

“To every artist who has been insulted on stage, faced obstacles, or been unfairly blamed, you are not alone. Your honor and dignity are just as important as your performance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by me. An artist’s respect is not a luxury, it is our right.”

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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