Mouni Roy, a leading Bollywood actress, was performing at the wedding of Akshat Goyal, son of rice exporter Bhushan Goyal, at Hotel Noor Mahal, Karnal. During her dance routine, she reported being harassed by elderly male guests, who allegedly made obscene comments, placed hands on her waist for photographs, and threw roses at her despite her protests. Disturbed by the behavior, Roy briefly walked off the stage, displayed her middle finger to the crowd, and later returned to complete her performance.
The incident occurred on January 23 during the wedding celebration at Hotel Noor Mahal, located in Sector 32-33, Karnal. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including local BJP MLA Jagmohan Anand. Prior to Roy’s performance, actress Malaika Arora had performed popular Bollywood numbers to a crowd that reportedly became rowdy at times.
Roy later detailed the episode on her Instagram story, highlighting both physical and digital harassment. She noted that some attendees were recording her from low angles, which she termed as digital harassment. She expressed disappointment at the disregard for personal boundaries and the inability of security or organizers to control the misbehavior.
Footage and photographs from the event show Roy gesturing angrily at the audience and blowing a flying kiss while leaving the stage. In her Instagram post on January 24, she wrote: “I was extremely disappointed by the behavior of the guests at the event, especially the two uncles who were of my grandfather’s age. They touched my waist and continued to throw roses even after I asked them to stop.”
The incident raises questions about performer safety at private events and the responsibilities of organizers to ensure respectful conduct. Roy emphasized her love for Indian culture but condemned the behavior, calling it “unacceptable under any circumstances” and highlighting the need to change the mindset that allows such acts.
Security experts and performers have increasingly called for stricter protocols at events, emphasizing both physical protection and digital privacy for artists.
