Kadir Khan, Nusrat Jahan

Tollywood actress Nusrat Jahan tells The Telegraphabout “good friend” Kadir Khan, the alleged rapist of a 37-year-old woman on the night of February 5. Kadir is yet to be arrested.

A resident of Gurusaday Dutta Road, Nusrat completed her BCom from Bhawanipur College and debuted opposite actor Jeet in the film Shatru in the summer of 2011. Directed by Raj Chakraborty, the Bengali remake of the Tamil blockbuster Singam, was a big hit.

“I am in a state of shock ever since I read about the incident in the newspapers. I met Kadir only once after February 5 and he seemed absolutely normal to me. We spoke only about good things. I just can’t imagine how Kadir can rape someone.

“Kadir and I were not supposed to tie the knot. Yes, Kadir and I were seeing each other for three-four years but we split about five months ago. We are good friends now.

“If Kadir has raped the woman, he should be punished. If he is guilty, he should be punished but it hasn’t been proved yet. There has to be evidence against him.

“I haven’t spoken to Kadir because his phone is switched off, neither do I know about his whereabouts.

“I know Kadir since my college days. Both our families knew about the relationship. He came across as a very nice guy. He was a sweetheart…. But Kadir and I slowly drifted apart because he never approved of my profession. He didn’t like the fact that I was an actress. Besides, you know, we are two very different individuals and for the last couple of months, we didn’t talk regularly because I am too busy with my career and he with his. But there wasn’t any bad blood, we remained good friends and would occasionally talk.

“I am a very confident girl and this incident cannot tarnish my career in any way. Kauke dekhe toh mone hoy na that he can be a rapist (No one can possibly tell if a man can be a rapist). So, how can I be blamed? I am speaking to you only because I am part of the Tollywood industry and I don’t want this incident to tarnish Tollywood.

“As I said, when I met Kadir he was a sweetheart and what we shared was beautiful. Never ever did he make me feel uncomfortable and never did I think that he was a bad human being.

“I am just hoping and praying that the guilty are punished. Just because he is a friend he should not get away with a crime like this, if he has committed the crime that is.

“But it’s hard for me to believe that Kadir can rape a woman. I know he frequents nightclubs but he isn’t a flirt. I completely understand what a woman goes through when she is raped, but let’s find out first if Kadir is guilty.

“My family is by my side but they are also suffering because of this. I had gone to pay a visit to Kadir’s family along with my father. Obviously, as human beings, we felt that we should stand by his family. His parents haven’t done anything wrong. His father is old. He is completely shattered.

“As far as I am concerned, I don’t believe in what I am hearing or seeing, all this could be false. I am traumatised.

“I can’t tell you what the last few days have been like. It has been worse than hell. I am waiting for Kadir to come back and the truth to come out.”