Twitterati is now very adamant that Bollywood takes a stand on the sexual harassment that some of the actresses have alleged that they have gone through. Recently, actress Tanushree Dutta, known for her roles in Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Chocolate, had talked about a past incident to a channel where she revealed that she was harassed by Nana Patekar during a shoot. With the calls for a #MeToo movement getting stronger in India, many on social media have lent support to Tanushree for her brave stand and called out on Bollywood for their silence on the issue.
While actors like Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti and Swara Bhasker have tweeted in support of Tanushree, others in Bollywood is maintaining a stoic silence. Or they have rude responses to give when they are left with no option but to answer. Like Salman Khan, for instance.
The Bollywood superstar was attending a sporting event in the city and during a media interaction, he was asked about his views on the whole controversy. Clearly affronted, Salman replied that he is not aware of the issue and therefore, he doesn't deem it right to reply. He also reminded the journalist that this event doesn't demand a question like this, while also throwing a dig at her saying that it is a 'sporting event so be sporting'.
The journalist, Shivangi Thakur from Aaj Tak, had posted the videoon her Twitter timeline -
Salman Khan attended an event today and was questioned about Tanushree’s allegations. See what happened after my questions. #TanushreeDutta #NanaPatekar #SalmanKhan @rahulkanwal @sahiljoshii @PadmajaJoshi @kamleshsutar @gauravcsawant @swapniljourno @ashu3page @mausamii2u pic.twitter.com/tWRC0KHt6J
— Shivangi Thakur (@thakur_shivangi) September 27, 2018
Many Twitter users didn't find any humour in Salman's answer and have slammed him on Twitter. They also took potshots at Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs of India, who was present at the presscon and laughing throughout Salman's answers.
U maintained ur dignity @thakur_shivangi but unfortunately the host didn’t. They r all fake. Always acting. And being a journalist it was ur duty to ask him, u didn’t do anything wrong. More power to u https://t.co/3KlIjsG1r9
— Sakshi Joshi (@sakshijoshii) September 28, 2018
Dear @KirenRijiju. Am unable to understand your mirth on the question of allegations of sexual harassment. As a cabinet minister, perhaps you may wish to explain why you were grinning from ear to ear when Salman was trying to bully the woman reporter? https://t.co/V5GR3XUIrP
— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) September 28, 2018
How to be an exemplary dick -- by Salman Khan. And I have full respect for the reporter for not cowing down even a shred. https://t.co/lNPVKUvnDX
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) September 28, 2018
I can't believe a bully like Salman Khan is respected so much across this country. But full respect to this lady reporter who stood up against him. And sorry Salman, that poor joke didn't make the atmosphere any lighter after your cheap response. #TanushreeDutta pic.twitter.com/TPF2uNdTBC
— R! (@WeirdlyProbable) September 28, 2018
Earlier Amitabh Bachchan also refused to give a direct response for the same allegation, during the launch of Thugs of Hindostan trailer.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2018 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).