‘Just Because I’m Performing Doesn’t Mean You Can Touch Me’: Dancer Slaps Man On Stage in Hathras

Haryanvi stage dancer Dimple Chaudhary was allegedly subjected to inappropriate behaviour during a live performance in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, prompting her to slap a man on stage and publicly confront him.

Dimple also shared a video of the incident on her Instagram account. The footage shows a young man approaching the stage and allegedly touching her waist while she was performing.

Reacting immediately, Dimple slapped the man and reprimanded him through the microphone in front of the audience.

"Just because a performance is going on doesn't mean you can touch me," she said while addressing the crowd.

According to Dimple, the incident took place on June 3 during a dance and Ragini programme organised to celebrate a girl's birthday in the Hathras area. The event began around 8 pm, while she took the stage at approximately 10 pm.

Several artists, including dancers and singers Shivani, Komal Chaudhary and others, were performing throughout the night.

Dimple said that around 2:30 am, while she was performing to the Haryanvi song 'Gandass', a young man climbed onto the stage. She alleged that the man, who was related to the event organiser, attempted to touch her inappropriately, leading to her immediate reaction.

Speaking about the incident, Dimple said stage performers work both to entertain audiences and to earn a livelihood, but that does not give anyone the right to disrespect their dignity.

She stated that inappropriate behaviour and harassment would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Dimple also acknowledged that she used some harsh language while confronting the man in the heat of the moment.

Despite the incident, she said she does not intend to file a police complaint, as she had already responded to the man's behaviour on the spot.

According to Dimple, the incident created a commotion at the venue, and sticks had to be used to control the crowd after tensions escalated.

Originally from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, Dimple Chaudhary began her career as a stage performer in 2018. She said financial difficulties led her to pursue performing as a profession. Although her family initially opposed the decision, they later supported her after witnessing her success.

She started by singing bhajans and devotional songs at jagrans before moving into stage performances. Dimple said she initially earned around ₹500 per programme and now charges up to ₹40,000 for a two-hour stage show.

Responding to criticism often directed at stage performers, she said her work is a means of supporting her family and that audiences continue to invite her because they enjoy her performances.

The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, sparking discussions about the safety and dignity of performers during public events.