The #MeToo movement has opened a can of worms. With several actresses coming forth to speak about how they have been sexually harassed in Bollywood. And now, for the first time, a Bollywood actor has come forth to share horrific details of his #MeToo story. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Saqib Salem recounted his experience saying, "I don’t want to take names, but when I started out as an actor- I was only 21 years old- there was a man who tried to assault me. He tried to put his hand in my pants." #MeToo Impact: Sajid Khan Asked To Explain His ‘Offensive Behaviour’ to Director's Organisation or Face Action!
So what was his reaction to it? The Race 3 actor said, "When it happened with me, I whacked the guy and I told him to mind his own f***ing business and I left. I was 21, and of course, it scarred me, but I moved on. I’m sure that everyone’s different and an incident such as this must affect different people differently." Sharing his views on the ongoing #MeToo movement, he said, "These stories are heartbreaking and sexual offenders are horrible people."
Among those who have been accused so far are Vicky Bahl, Varun Grover, Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Sajid Khan and many more. A few women filmmakers have decided to not work with those proven guilty. The #MeToo movement, which many people thought, would fade away, is in fact gaining momentum with several actors opening up about it with each passing day. As for Saqib, we are sure it must have been a traumatic phase but we are glad that he opened up about it. Let's hope this gives other men also a chance to come out in open and speak about the grave issue.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2018 08:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).