Here’s Why Despite Tanushree Dutta Speaking Up Against Nana Patekar, Bollywood Will Never Have a #MeToo Movement

Hollywood’s #MeToo movement brought down some of the most renowned men in their industry. Stories of sexual assault in the films came to forefront when actresses like Asia Argento, Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow came forward and talked about their horror stories while working with Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein was not the only culprit; names like Kevin Spacey, Cassey Affleck, Michael Douglas and even Morgan Freeman were amongst the accused. So powerful was this movement that the whole of Hollywood united and ensured that the voices of the victims did not die down by wearing reminders of this at events and red carpets. In Bollywood however, this is unlikely to happen. We have just one Tanushree Dutta, who had spoken up ten years back. She has done it again, but there are more people pointing fingers at her and alleging that the actress is doing this for “publicity”.

While the women stood together voiced support for each other in the west, here in India we unfortunately have a handful of them actually speaking up. Thanks to journalist Janice Sequeira, who at least validated Tanushree’s version of this episode on Horn Ok Pleasss sets ten years ago. Janice reveals in her Twitter thread that Nana Patekar made the “beti” comment about his co-star even before the actress addressed the media about what was her issue with filming the song. Like they say, ‘A guilty conscience needs no accuser’. Even as Tanushree has waged her war against her offender the actress is a lone warrior. The high and mighty of the industry refuse to acknowledge Tanushree’s story and hastily wash their hands off by claiming that they have no knowledge about the incident.

In her 2008 interview, Dutta had revealed how she had approached Bollywood film body CINTAA after the makers and Nana Patekar ganged up against her. The actress also requested for the damages to be paid, but there’s no knowledge of any action being taken against Nana Patekar or then Horn OK Please team. It’s evident from Tanushree Dutta’s story that the predator victim equation in the Indian film fraternity might not change so soon. While Tanushree’s career was wiped out, Nana Patekar continued to work and it shows the power of patriarchy. This episode also highlights the show of power and bullying of a victim who decides to speak up. Don't Miss: Dimple Kapadia Talks About Nana Patekar’s ‘Terrible, Dark Side’ in This Throwback Video

While we have a few actors coming out and speaking in favour of Tanushree, there are also those like Rakhi Sawant who label this as “publicity gimmick for entering Bigg Boss”. Even before Nana Patekar gave a press conference in his defense, Rakhi called the press to talk about an incident where she was not even present. It would be safe to therefore say that Rakhi has no real know-how of the episode, but is purely speaking on her assumptions and hearsay. And even when others speak up in favour of Tanushree they do not make direct reference to Tanushree’s incident. Because actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Renuka Shahane, Twinkle Khanna and Raveena Tandon have sided with Dutta, Tanushree’s story is still discussed in mainstream media. However, like Tanushree says, is a tweet in favour really a solution? While the real need of the hour is strict “disciplinary action” against the offender. Raveena Tandon Tweets About Sexual Harassment and Fans Wonder If She Is Hinting At Akshay Kumar!

Nana Patekar threatened Tanushree with legal action, but according to Tanushree she’s yet to receive one. To top it, Nana Patekar continues to work in movies. Forget about being thrown out of a project the film industry has not even made an attempt to unearth the truth. Because like we all have seen in the past, in the gimmicky world of Bollywood controversies die a natural death when not validated with a reaction. When Kangana took on Hrithik Roshan she was called the “troublemaker”, it was almost like the fraternity waited with bated breath to see the Queen’s downfall. There are many others who spoke up, but disappeared into oblivion just like Tanushree had until she spoke up again. Aamir Khan Stays Mum, But His Rang De Basanti Co-Star Kunal Kapoor Comes Out in Support of Tanushree Dutta.

If those from the industry do in fact want for this movement to gain steam and want justice meted out to the victims, then maybe they should follow the west. It’s time for more and more victims, men and women alike, to come out in the open and validate by telling their own true stories of suppression and harassment. If not, we will see a repeat of the 2008 episode where an actress with less clout in the industry and politics will be forced to walk out as patriarchy and injustice raise a toast. And do not forget when another victim feels like speaking up he/she will fear being judged, slut-shamed and called an attention seeker.

- Contributed by a freelance journalist

(The opinions expressed in the above article are of the author and do not reflect the stand or position of LatestLY.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).