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‘Dhriendra’ production designer found guilty in harassment case
Sandy Verma | May 30, 2026 10:25 AM CST

Summary

  • The production designer of the Bollywood project Dhriendra, Saini S Johare, has been found guilty in a sexual harassment case after an internal committee investigation.
  • The case began after a female industry professional filed serious allegations against Johare.
  • After finishing the inquiry, the committee found Saini S Johare guilty on two separate charges.

AI Generated Summary

The production designer of the Bollywood project Dhriendra, Saini S Johare, has been found guilty in a sexual harassment case after an internal committee investigation. The decision has sparked controversy in the film industry and affected several of his current and future projects.

The case began after a female industry professional filed serious allegations against Johare. According to her complaint, he invited her to a hotel room in Chandigarh. She alleged that he sexually harassed and physically assaulted her during the meeting. She also claimed that he stopped her from leaving the room.

The complainant further alleged that someone mixed a sedative substance into her drink. She said the substance made her feel weak and disoriented. According to her statement, she struggled to react and escape the situation. These allegations became the central part of her complaint.

The woman, who reportedly lives in New Delhi, filed an FIR at the Sector 17 police station in Chandigarh on April 20. After reviewing the complaint, police registered the case and launched a formal investigation.

She later submitted a detailed complaint to B-62 Studios, a production company owned by film producers Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar. She pursued both legal action and workplace complaint procedures at the same time.

Reports say the company received the complaint in October 2025. The studio’s internal anti-sexual harassment committee then opened a formal inquiry. Committee members spent nearly six months reviewing evidence and recording statements before completing the investigation in early 2026.

After finishing the inquiry, the committee found Saini S Johare guilty on two separate charges. Officials also shared the findings with the complainant as part of the process. The committee’s conclusion increased the seriousness of the case and intensified professional consequences for Johare.

Following the FIR, Chandigarh police arrested him. Later, he secured bail from a district court and left custody. The legal proceedings, however, continue as authorities move forward with the case.

The controversy has already affected his professional career. Several productions reportedly removed his credits from ongoing projects. Producers also removed his name from the OTT version of Dhriendra, although earlier versions included his credit.

Industry reports further claim that major production houses have started distancing themselves from the controversy. Yash Raj Films reportedly removed his name from an upcoming web series titled Akka. The decision reflected the growing impact of the allegations and committee findings on his industry standing.

The case has also reopened conversations about workplace safety in the entertainment industry. Many observers believe production houses must enforce stronger policies to protect workers, especially women. Others argue that companies and legal authorities should work together to ensure fair and transparent investigations.

As the situation develops further, the film industry is expected to witness more reactions and possible consequences. The case has already left a major impact on Johare’s career and renewed discussions about accountability in entertainment workplaces.

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