Sri Vidya, former journalist and a familiar short-film actress, has exposed a Tollywood star who harassed her a couple of years ago. She has not revealed his name, saying he is influential and can get her killed.

Two years ago as a Tollywood reporter, I met a very popular star from the Telugu film industry at a film party. Before anyone asks, no, I was not drinking that night; I was wearing a salwar kameez, and I did dance with him along with everyone else present including my then boyfriend and now husband. He took my number despite me insisting that my phone was switched off and I couldn't save his number. He saved the number in a phone that he said, is for girlfriends and his entourage laughed at it. I laughed it off too. I must admit that the cub reporter in me was thrilled to even be in the contact list of a star so big. I thought he won't even remember, Sri Vidya writes.

Days later he called me just like that and engaged in a conversation. He asked me where I lived and insisted on coming and meeting. He changed his mind when he found I live quite far away. I know I would have been much more curt and upfront with anyone else. It wasn't much but it was strange and scary. When you are a woman meeting hundreds of people everyday, you know creepy from a mile away. I was scared but I brushed it off. I then once called him for a quote on a story and he asked me to come meet him at his guest house that evening so we could do the interview. I never went. And never called again, she describes.

He would call from time to time asking to come and meet me/ pick me up. Two days before my wedding he asked me to come and meet him so he could suggest my name to the music director of his film. When I told him I was getting married he congratulated me and never called again, she adds.

I know NOW this is harassment and I know the intent was malicious. *Why I didn't report*. I didn't think it was anything. And I have reason to believe a lot of people now would also tell me the same. But it was harassment. Other people who know him told me he wasn't like that with them. He is an influencial person. I thought no one would believe me. I thought he would get me killed. I actually, seriously thought if I blocked him, he would find out somehow and kill me. I thought his fans would maul me. I was afraid. Despite all the progressiveness I boast of, I am still afraid, Sri Vidya says.

People who know me closely, know who I am talking about and have also heard the recordings (which I lost with a damaged phone) Please don't name him here, because I am indeed still afraid, particularly of his cult fans, the lady concludes.