Bollywood superstar cancels film shoot over #MeToo allegations against director

Bollywood superstar has shut down production of his latest film over claims of sexual harassment against two members of the cast and crew, as MeToo sweeps India's movie industry.Akshay Kumar said he refused to work with anyone accused of sexual harassment until claims against them were investigated. Minutes later, the director of the movie Housefull 4, Sajid Khan, said he was taking "moral responsibility" to step down.

Mr Khan and cast member Nana Patekar were among the first to be accused of sexual misconduct in a groundswell of allegations against men in the spheres of entertainment, media and politics in the past two weeks.

Mr Kumar became the biggest name yet to back the movement, tweeting: “This is something that requires stringent action.“I will not work with any proven offenders and all those who have been subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve."Mr Patekar was accused of sexually predatory behaviour by the actress Tanushree Dutta during the shooting of a film 10 years ago, while Mr Khan was alleged to have harassed three female journalists. Both deny the allegations.Mr Patekar said: "I would say what I said 10 years back, the truth doesn't change." The actor has also sent Ms Dutta a legal notice.

Among other claims, the journalist Rachel White said that Mr Khan told her she could get a role in his film in 2014 if she could "seduce him in five minutes." The claims were denied by Mr Khan.Mr Khan said he would resign, "till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth".Earlier Mr Kumar's wife, the actress Twinkle Khanna, had tweeted: “Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in Housefull needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on.”

On Thursday Subhash Ghai, a veteran Bollywood producer and director was accused of sexual assault, with him vehemently denying the claims. A cabinet minister has also been accused of similar behaviour.