In a deeply unsettling revelation, a former partner of renowned cinematographer Pratik Shah—best known for his work in Homebound—has come forward with serious allegations concerning emotional and physical abuse during their relationship. While the two were once seen as a quiet couple in creative circles, her recent statement has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability in the film industry.
The woman, who has chosen to keep her identity private for safety and emotional reasons, shared a harrowing account of the alleged abuse she endured while in a relationship with Shah. Speaking candidly, she described how her consent was repeatedly violated under the guise of intimacy. “If he wasn’t my boyfriend at the time,” she said, “it would have been called rape. But back then, I didn’t even have the language to process it.”
Her detailed narrative paints a grim picture of manipulation masked as love. According to her, the relationship was riddled with gaslighting and coercive control. “It wasn’t just physical,” she explained. “It was mental warfare. I was constantly made to feel guilty for setting boundaries. I was led to believe that saying ‘no’ was betrayal, and that love meant surrender—even when I was clearly uncomfortable.”
She recalled incidents where Shah allegedly used his influence in the industry to isolate her from mutual friends and professional opportunities, reinforcing an environment where she felt trapped and voiceless. “He would tell me I was nothing without him. That I owed him my career,” she claimed.
This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about the toxic dynamics often left unchecked behind the glamour of showbiz. While Shah has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations, many industry professionals and fans are demanding an investigation, as well as an open dialogue about boundaries, consent, and abuse in personal and professional relationships.
The woman’s bravery in sharing her story is being widely acknowledged, especially in light of the power imbalances that often deter survivors from coming forward. She emphasized that she isn’t seeking revenge but rather hopes to prevent others from enduring what she did. “I want people to understand that being in a relationship doesn’t mean you waive your right to bodily autonomy,” she stated. “No means no—regardless of your relationship status.”
The situation remains tense as the film fraternity watches closely, with hopes that this incident may serve as a wake-up call. Conversations about consent, emotional manipulation, and abuse are gaining more prominence than ever, and many believe this is an important moment for the industry to reflect, reform, and protect the vulnerable.
As of now, no legal proceedings have been reported, but the growing support for the survivor is a clear signal that the silence around such abuse is beginning to shatter.
