The #MeToo movement has finally arrived in India and it's time we speak up. After Tanushree Dutta revealed the dark secrets of our otherwise glamorous industry, she encouraged her contemporaries and fellow ladies to do the same. Sexual molestation was prevalent in our industry for quite a long time but no one was courageous enough to reveal it or correct all the wrongs. However, Tanushree's brave move was definitely a turning chapter and it's time these perpetrators get the punishment they deserve. Ranveer Singh Condemns The Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar Saga, While Deepika Padukone Says #MeToo is Not About Gender But Right Vs Wrong.
After Nana Patekar and comedian Utsav Chakraborty were heavily criticised for their immoral act, the new names to join this ugly list are Kailash Kher and Zulfi Syed. A credible photojournalist has come forward to reveal the details of their unethical acts and how she could not file the 'real' interview because the newspaper (the one she worked for) would never publish it. Twitterati Reminds Shakti Kapoor Of His Own Casting Couch Scandal After He Says He was a Kid When Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar Incident Happened; Here's the Video.
Most woman journalists probably know a hotel room assault
This about Kiran Nagarkar pic.twitter.com/32lut5Zsd3
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) October 5, 2018
With India's #Metoo movement taking grip, women are speaking up against big names, this time #KailashKher, however, we can't take accusations at face value. https://t.co/LYxKmHB2pD
— Shaan (@shaanearth) October 6, 2018
We were appalled and left as soon as possible and I discussed with my colleague the idea of writing the interview from the point of view of unwelcome sexual molestation but she said the paper would never publish it because it would be libel (even though we were both witnesses)
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(4)#MeToo
I've let a number of friends and colleagues know about this incident with Kailesh Kher and the main reaction is always a shaking of the head, and 'this happens, as a woman you've got to look after your own self' logic / expression.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(5)#MeToo
The near sexual assault episode with Zulfi Syed occurred on a cruise liner. A bunch of press photographers, journalists, models and people were invited on board overnight as a PR exercise. I was there with a woman colleague to shoot the entire event.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(6)#MeToo
In due course of the evening, we got talking with the models amongst whom Zulfi and me sort of hit it off. My colleague and I formed a group along with Zulfi and a couple of other models and we moved about the cruise ship sampling the bars, cabaret club and diners.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(7)#MeToo
At some point while looking at the rooms the models had been given to stay in, I ended up leaving my phone to charge in Zulfi's room. After dinner and some dancing, my colleague was sleepy and left. So did the other models and I was alone with Zulfi on the ship deck
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(8)#MeToo
He kissed me, I kissed him back, I decided I didn't want to take this any further and said so, and that I was going to bed. I remembered I'd left my phone charging in his room so I asked him if I could collect it. He agreed and we walked down the ship to his room.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(9)#MeToo
I entered the room and took my phone, it was by the bed. Zulfi shut the door & leaned against it. I asked him why he'd shut the door, he said we both knew I wasn't going anywhere and that I hadn't really come to his room for the phone. I said I'd only come for my phone
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(10)#MeToo
I walked up to the door to leave. He was standing right there, he grabbed me as soon as I reached for the handle, shoving me against the door and forcibly kissing me. I struggled and said I didn't want this but he wouldn't stop. I realised I was extremely vulnerable.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(11)#MeToo
There was nobody outside in corridor, no one would hear me scream, he was physically overpowering me & wouldn't stop and I did not want to become a victim of sexual assault. I had to strategise to get away so I stopped fighting him off. Instead, I made myself hold him.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(12)#MeToo
I said hey okay, why don't we do this properly on the bed. He backed off smiling. As soon as there was a window of a gap in his hold on me I wrenched the door open and ran down the empty corridor with my heart racing, feeling any second I would be dragged back by him.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(13)#MeToo
I reached the room I shared with my colleague, banged on the door. She let me in, saw my panic, asked me what happened. I told her the whole story & also told her we should report it. She asked me-why did I have to go to his room alone? I repeated, we should report it.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(14)#MeToo
But we both knew the paper would not publish it. Nothing would be done; I would be blamed for encouraging his attention. I learned at this point that women have to be vigilant all the time. Nobody would call out the men. The next day Zulfi apologised to me on the deck.
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
(15)#MeToo
He said it was just a misunderstanding and he hoped I wouldn't make a big deal of it. I have spoken about both these incidents with colleagues and friends and they are always met with that headshake & 'what to do' expression. Until now. #MeToo@weeny@AGirlOfHerWords
— Natasha Hemrajani (@radiantbear) October 6, 2018
It's alarming and disgusting at the same time. As a woman working in the same profession, it's scary to read such horror stories that may happen again to any one of us. Unless, of course, we decide to speak unanimously and fight this evil practice.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2018 04:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).