‘I Was Targeted’: Tanushree Dutta Turns Down Film Offers From Two #MeToo Accused Directors, Shares Her Reasons

The Justice Hema Committee report, released in August, has revealed significant harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. Many actresses and artists shared their experiences of mistreatment by prominent male celebrities in Mollywood. In light of this report, Tanushree Dutta, who continues to seek justice for her own allegations, believes that genuine change won't happen until those in power stop protecting wrongdoers. Tanushree Dutta Reacts to Justice Hema Committee Report, Actress Says Change Won't Happen While 'Criminals' Are Shielded.

In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Tanushree Dutta, a leading voice in India’s #MeToo movement, explained why she turned down projects from two filmmakers accused of misconduct. She emphasised her commitment to not setting a negative precedent in the industry. Dutta recounted an instance in December 2018 when she was offered a movie by a well-known producer whose director had been accused in the #MeToo movement. She stated, “What’s needed is for every single actor willing to make a little sacrifice for a cause. In December 2018, I got offered a movie by a very big producer. She has made some of the biggest films. But her director was a #MeToo accused and I promptly refused the opportunity. Who’s losing in this bargain? Me. I haven’t done film work in a long, long time.” Dutta expressed her desire to take on lead roles in films centered on women’s empowerment but acknowledged that her projects had been sabotaged in the past. “I do appearances and brand events only. I want to do lead roles in films about women empowerment. But since his name came up during #MeToo, I didn’t want to take that offer up. Such an episode happened again after a couple of years. In between, I had signed some decent projects but I was targeted very badly and my projects were sabotaged,” she said.

Actress Tanushree Dutta

Tanushree Dutta also also recounted another instance involving a Kolkata filmmaker who approached her for a comeback film. Despite liking the story and role, she learned that the filmmaker was also implicated in #MeToo. She said, “I liked the story and the role was fantastic. I thought it’s a great opportunity for me to resume my acting career with a Bengali film. A week later, I came to know that his name too had come up during #MeToo.” She went on to say, “Why did he come to me? He thought that #MeToo ko kaafi time ho gaya hai (He thought that enough time has passed since #MeToo) and that if he casts me in his film, it will give the impression that I’m siding with him. He wanted to change his image through me. Maybe, he also thought that since no one is working with him in Bengal, he would work with a Bollywood actress and create a bigger profile for himself.” She also said, “And if I did that film, it would look like the leader of #MeToo is now supporting an accused. I politely refused.” Tanushree Dutta Opens Up About Traumatic Experience Working With Vivek Agnihotri; ‘Dhol’ Actress Reveals Shocking Details in This Old Interview (Watch Video).

Tanushree Dutta reflects on her challenging journey in the film industry, stating, “I made that sacrifice when I needed work the most.” She emphasises her deep passion for movies, highlighting how she has built her career through relentless hard work, only to have it undermined by her experiences with harassment. Dutta poignantly expresses, “All of it was taken away from me,” revealing the emotional toll of her struggles. By encouraging fellow actors to prioritise ethics over personal gain, Dutta hopes to inspire everyone to work together to create a safer and fairer film industry.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2024 08:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).