Dia Mirza becomes the first Bollywood celebrity to speak up on the sexual assault allegations against Rajkumar HiraniJan 14 (AZINS) One of the most revered Bollywood filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani has been accused of sexually assaulting a former female assistant. The woman worked with him on 'Sanju'. Popular actor Dia Mirza, who has collaborated with Hirani in super hit films like 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' and 'Sanju', is one of the first celebs to react to the entire controversy.

She told Pinkvilla that she is deeply distressed by the news. “I am deeply distressed by this news. As someone who has known Raju Sir for 15 years, I can only hope that a due official enquiry is conducted. He is one of the most decent human beings I have ever worked with and I think it would be grossly unjust on my part to speak on this as I do not know the details,” the actor said.

After the accusation came to light on Sunday, Hirani issued a statement rubbishing the allegation.

“I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or any legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation,” Hirani said in a statement.

Vinta Nanda, who is herself battling a rape case against Alok Nath in the court, reacted to the allegations without taking any names.

She tweeted: “The latest on #MeToo is so disturbing. Who is it that women can trust? Can’t deal with these words anymore – “At the outset, our client states that the allegations made against him are false, mischievous, scandalous, motivated and defamatory.”

For now, Hirani's name has been dropped from the credits of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's upcoming production - 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga', starring Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and Rajkummar Rao. The film was co-produced under Hirani's estemeed banner - Rajkumar Hirani Films.