Filmmaker Shakeel Noorani held after aspiring actor alleges rape
Bollywood filmmaker Shakeel Noorani has been arrested by Mumbai Police following allegations of rape, criminal intimidation, and poisoning from an aspiring actor. The 73-year-old director was apprehended at his farmhouse after evading authorities for several weeks.
Why it matters
The case underscores ongoing issues regarding sexual violence and power dynamics within the Indian entertainment industry, as well as the application of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita legal code.
Mumbai Police have arrested Bollywood filmmaker Shakeel Noorani after a 33-year-old aspiring actor accused him of raping and threatening her, officials said on Monday (August 10, 2026).
The 73-year-old accused was traced to his farmhouse in Mahabaleshwar hill station, located more than 200 km from Mumbai, on Saturday (August 8, 2026) after he went into hiding following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him, they said.
Mr. Noorani is known for directing films like "Joru Ka Ghulam" (2000), starring Govinda, and "Bade Dilwala" (1999), which featured Suniel Shetty.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Mr. Noorani sexually assaulted her over the last four years and also poisoned her, leading to a miscarriage.
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