Kolkata/IBNS: Malayalam director Ranjith has resigned as the chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy over the charges of misconduct levelled against him by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, media reports said.

Ranjith has communicated his decision to step down to state Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian.

Sreelekha Mitra, who is now at the forefront of RG Kar protests in Kolkata, alleged that Ranjith had misbehaved with her at his residence in 2009.

Sreelekha had reportedly gone there to discuss a project.

The actress claimed she felt uncomfortable by "subtle advances" by Ranjith.

The allegations brought political colours with the state's opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the ruling coalition partner CPI demanding Ranjith's resignation.

Cherian on Saturday had defended director Ranjith.

Reacting to Sreelekha's allegations, documentary filmmaker Joshy Joseph claimed the actress dropped her plans to work on more Malayalam films due to Ranjith's behaviour.

"She is a wonderful actor. At that time, she was a popular name in Bengali film circles. She had plans to do more Malayalam films, but dropped it due to Ranjith’s misbehaviour. 

"Her collaboration would have added creative value to Malayalam cinema...," Joseph said as quoted by onmanorama.