The Punjabi music industry has been shaken by the deeply distressing allegations made by popular singer Sunanda Sharma against music producer Pinky Dhaliwal. Her emotional revelations have brought to light serious accusations of harassment, fraud, and mental anguish, leading to a wave of support for the artist and subsequent legal action.
Here’s a breakdown of the unfolding situation:
Sunanda Sharma’s Allegations:
- Financial Exploitation:
- Sharma alleges that Dhaliwal systematically misappropriated her earnings, despite her music generating substantial revenue. She claims that she was denied her rightful dues, with Dhaliwal allegedly controlling all her income.
- She stated that despite her earnings exceeding ₹250 crore during that time period, that the accused unlawfully took possession of all of her income, and withheld her rightful dues.
- Mental Harassment:
- In deeply emotional social media posts, Sharma described the severe mental trauma she endured. She revealed that she often cried alone and even contemplated ending her life.
- She said that “They mentally harassed me. I would cry alone in my room for days and sometimes even thought of ending my life. But I still managed to keep a smile on my face.”
- Criminal Intimidation and Forgery:
- Sharma has also accused Dhaliwal of criminal intimidation and forgery, claiming that he pressured her into performing at events without proper compensation and that he had forged her signature on documents.
- She also claims that when she demanded her dues, she was threatened with the ruin of her career.
- False promises of marriage:
- It has also been reported that within the FIR, Sunanda Sharma, also accused Dhaliwal and his son, Gurkaran Singh Dhaliwal, of exploiting her by making false promises of marriage.
Legal Action and Response:
- Arrest of Pinky Dhaliwal:
- Following Sharma’s complaints and the intervention of the Punjab State Women Commission, Punjab Police arrested Pinky Dhaliwal.
- The arrest came after a case was filed against him, including charges of cheating, forgery, and intimidation.
- Punjab State Women Commission’s Role:
- The Punjab State Women Commission played a crucial role in the swift action taken by the police. The commission took suo motu cognizance of the matter and directed the police to investigate the allegations.
- The Chairperson of the commission urged women facing harassment to come forward and seek support.
- Support from the Public and Industry:
- Sunanda Sharma’s courageous move to speak out has garnered widespread support from her fans and fellow artists. Many have praised her bravery and called for justice.
- Sunanda Sharma also gave thanks to the Chief minister of Punjab for listening to her concerns, and taking action.
Key Takeaways:
- This case highlights the vulnerability of artists, particularly those from middle-class backgrounds, to exploitation within the entertainment industry.
- It underscores the importance of speaking out against harassment and fraud, and the need for stronger protections for artists’ rights.
- The actions of the Punjab state womens commission, shows the importance of those organizations, and the power they have to help people.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the public is closely following the developments. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry and the importance of holding those who abuse their power accountable.
