Television and film actor Alok Nath, who was accused of rape by screenwriter-director Vinita Nanda and was granted anticipatory bail last week, has broken his silence on the issue.
Vinta Nanda had shared her ordeal on social media as part of the #MeToo movement that took Bollywood by storm last year. Nanda called out Nath and accused him of raping her 19 years ago.
In an interview to IANS, Alok Nath said, “The honourable court and my lawyers have advised me to keep completely silent for now. In fact, I’ve been quiet throughout. Maybe, some words escaped my mouth in my state of angst. But otherwise, I’ve been lying absolutely low for the last three months.”
He expressed his gratitude to his wife Ashu for standing by his side and said his next legal step would depend on the court order.
ALSO, READ| #MeToo: Alok Nath granted anticipatory bail in Vinta Nanda rape case
Nath added, “It is not right for me to make any comment at the moment. But yes, we (Alok and his team of lawyers) got anticipatory bail, and we’re very grateful for that. Now, when I am in a position to speak I will have a heart-to-heart with you.”
“I cannot preempt anything right now. But one thing I can tell you. This battle will reach its logical conclusion, and the truth, whatever it is, will be revealed,” the actor said.
Praising his wife, Alok Nath said, “She has been a pillar of strength for me. I am grateful to God that in my journey she has been my co-traveller throughout. She has been with me always. And my truth is her truth, and that’s God’s truth. So I am grateful to God for that.”
Months back, when Nanda shared her story on social media, she did not name Nath in her post, but referred to him as the actor known as the “most Sanskari person” in the field of acting. She later revealed it was Alok Nath.