A 21-year-old woman based in Hyderabad was shocked when she was asked to remove her clothes as part of an acting workshop. On Monday, instructor Vinay Varma, who runs the theatre group Sutradhar, allegedly asked the students to remove their clothes after closing the windows and doors. Vinay Varma has acted in a few Telugu films. His website describes him as an actor, director, voice-lender, dubbing artiste, script-writer, translator and casting director.

“After we finished doing meditation he walked in closed the windows and doors and asked us to remove our clothes,” the woman told TNM, “We were in utter disbelief. We were looking at each other, then he shouted, ‘remove your clothes or leave the class’. Then immediately, the boys obeyed him and removed their clothes. He asked them to remove their undergarments as well.”

The woman had joined Sutradhar two weeks ago. A total of 9 students – 7 men and 2 women –  were part of the acting workshop.

The woman recalled, “While the male students removed their clothes after being yelled at, the other girl and I stared at each other, unable to comprehend the situation. He then told us, ‘Those who don’t want to remove the clothes may leave the class’. I stood firm and left the class.”

The woman later complained to her parents. Subsequently, her parents approached a women’s rights activist and the SHE Team – a police team working for the safety and security of women.

The case was later transferred to Narayanaguda police station. Following a complaint, the Narayanaguda police have registered a case under section 509 of IPC (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).

Vinay justified the act claiming it was part of acting to shed all inhibitions, Sub Inspector G Vinod Kumar told TNM.

However, the woman said that she wasn’t told about such requirements before hand.

Responding to the allegations, Vinay told TNM, "This is part of the acting exercise where we mould them (students) and test if they're able to do it. The students who can't do it are told to stand outside the class." Admitting that these things weren't disclosed to students at the time of joining, he added, "We don't tell what all training they'll be going through. We never forced them. We are willing to reimburse the fee of those who can't do it (remove clothes)."