Streaming service JioHotstar has removed actor Ram Kapoor from the promotions of their upcoming show Mistry after the actor reportedly made remarks filled with sexual references during its promotions.

Interviews were lined up with Ram and his co-star Mona Singh on June 19 and 20 in Mumbai. It was later reported to the media that the actor has opted out of interviews for June 20 due to a "personal emergency".

However, a report in mid-day detailed the real reason behind his withdrawal from the interviews. As per accounts of multiple people present for the shoot, Ram passed comments filled with sexual innuendos that left everyone uncomfortable. A JioHotstar insider told the publication, “The tone and content of his ‘jokes’ were unprofessional. He had back-to-back interviews that day. Referring to the work pressure at one point, he said he feels ‘gang-raped’. This remark was made while one journalist was setting up her mic.”

Throughout the day, the actor continued to make inappropriate comments about the female team members of JioHotstar, joking about the length of their dresses and calling them distracting. “He told one of our male colleagues that his mother should have faked a headache and he shouldn’t have been born. He made references to sex positions,” another staffer told mid-day.

After this, the incident was taken to the higher authorities at JioHotstar. It was decided that the actor’s remaining interviews would be cancelled and he would be distanced from the show. The interviews will be held only with Mona.

Ram has not officially commented about the matter, and neither have the makers of the show issued an official statement.

Mistry is set to be released on the platform on June 27.