Nana Patekar 'distances' himself from Housefull 4 due to 'false' accusations

Actor Nana Patekar has decided to ‘distance’ himself from the multi-starrer Housefull 4 due to the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him by actress Tanushree Dutta.

Malhar Patekar, son of the veteran actor, said in an official statement, “Nanasaheb does not want any inconvenience caused to anyone and hence in the backdrop of false accusations levelled against him he thought it fit to distance himself with the ongoing project of Hosefull 4.” 

Dutta had accused Nana Patekar of sexually harassing her on the sets of Horn OK Pleassss in 2008. In repsonse to the allegations, Nana Patekar had decided to hold a press conference to present his side of the case. However, he later cancelled it saying his lawyer has advised him to not speak.

Following the actress' complaint, the Oshiwara police have filed an FIR against the actor, producer Samee Siddiqui, director Rakesh Sarang, and choreographer Ganesh Acharya.  

Sajid Khan, director of Housefull 4 has also been accused by three women of sexual harassment. Following this, Akshay Kumar, the lead actor of the film, asked the producers to cancel its shoot until an investigation is done. He has also vowed to not work with 'proven offenders'. 

Soon after, Khan was asked to step down from the project.