Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra extend support to Tanushree Dutta

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Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta, best known for Aashiq Banaya Apne, recently opened the floodgates for the Me Too movement in the Indian film industry when she accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of sexually harassing her.

Dutta alleged that Patekar, a Padma Shri and National Award-winning actor, misbehaved with her on the set of 2008’s Horn OK Pleassss film, further saying that everyone in the industry is aware of Patekar’s mistreatment of women but no one raised their voice against it.

Meanwhile, Nana reportedly laughed off the matter, saying, “What does she mean by sexual harassment? There were 50-100 people on set with me.”

Choreographer Ganesh Acharya, who was also reportedly on set at the time of the incident, jumped to Nana’s defense saying that “He’s a very sweet person, he can never do that.”

However, Bollywood actors including Sonam Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra among others have extended their support to Dutta and the hashtag #IBelieveYouTanushreeDutta is currently trending on Twitter.

Indian journalist Janice Sequiera also corroborated Dutta’s account of sexual harassment saying that she was present on set during the incident.

An assistant director of the film also came forward and confirmed Dutta’s allegations and Janice’s account.

“Everything in this thread happened exactly the way it’s written. It was my first film as an AD. I was proud of what you did then, Tanushree and I’m proud of you today,” she wrote.

Sonam Kapoor wrote, “I believe Tanushree Datta and Janice’s recollection of the account. Janice is my friend, and she is anything but an exaggerator or a liar. And it’s upto us to stand together.”

Kapoor further wrote, “Many of my co-workers,female and male have been harassed and bullied, but it’s their story to tell. If we don’t encourage their voices and instead vilify and question them, how will victims ever become survivors? Let them speak up! Stand up with them!”

Sharing Janice’s thread, Farhan Akhtar wrote, “This thread is very telling. Janice was there at the time of the incident being debated today. Even when Tanushree Dutta had career concerns to keep quiet 10 years ago she did not and her story hasn’t changed now. Her courage should be admired, not her intention questioned.”

Priyanka Chopra agreed with Farhan’s comments and said that “the world needs to believe survivors.”

Priyanka’s cousin, actor Parineeti Chopra, also agreed with Farhan writing, “Survivors are survivors because they have dealt with something horrible and come out on the other side. So believe them, respect them.”

Mrs Funnybones aka Twinkle Khanna asked audiences to read Janice’s thread “before judging or shaming Tanushree Dutta.

“A working environment without harassment and intimidation is a fundamental right and by speaking up this brave woman helps pave the way towards that very goal for all of us!,” tweeted Khanna.

Swara Bhasker said, “This is is long thread, but one that MUST be read…. lots of clues here as to why Bollywood’s #MeToo moment is so far away. Because we don’t want to hear these voices.”

Popular 90s heroine, Raveena Tandon, shared her two cents on the matter in a series of Twitter posts. She said that the “deafening silence on the matter is sickening,” and that she had heard of Nana’s temper but had never experienced it herself. However, she said that “it’s time witnesses came forward and and the law take its course.”

“We should not judge and media lynch. Let’s put our faith in the judiciary and let justice unfold. Innocent till proven guilty,” she concluded.

Actor Shruti Seth actively supported Dutta on social media and called her a “brave warrior.”

Comedian Vir Das shared a man’s perspective on the matter writing, “For men, a big part of the #MeToo movement is listening to women tell their story. Supporting them with belief. Tanushree Dutta is telling hers. Be a good man, shut your mouth, and listen to it. There are many many more like it in our industry. And they deserve to be heard.”

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