Veteran actor, Nana Patekar allegedly involved in India’s first #MeToo case, continues to deny allegations of molestation and sexual harassment levelled against him by Tanushree Dutta.
Nana made the denial in response to the notice sent by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, the Mumbai Mirror reported.
Sources in the commission said, “In a reply to our notice, Nana has said that since the case has now been registered with the police, he will fight it legally. He has denied all the charges levelled against him.’’
Dutta had lodged a complaint with the commission on October 8 accusing Nana and three others of sexual misconduct on the sets of 2008 film Horn Ok Pleassss. Tanushree had alleged that Patekar inappropriately touched her during the filming of a song.
Vijaya Rahatkar, the chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Women, confirmed that the commission had received the reply from Patekar. She, however, did not disclose the contents of the letter.
Meanwhile, Patekar’s lawyer, Aniket Nikam, remarked, “All allegations against him are false and far from the truth.’’
As per the process, Nana might be summoned before the commission for a hearing. The commission will seek legal advice on the issue, an official of the commission said.
On October 9, the commission had issued notices to Patekar, Horn Ok Pleassss producer Samee Siddiqui, choreographer Ganesh Acharya and director Rakesh Sarang asking for their response within 10 days. Patekar’s reply was received on October 19, the sources said.
