Tanushree Is Speaking, But Is Bollywood Going to Listen?

Tanushree Dutta spoke 10 years ago. She is speaking now. But is Bollywood going to shut its ears, or do something?

Tanushree Dutta’s allegations against Nana Patekar are serious

(Photo: Aroop Mishra/The Quint)

Tanushree Dutta spoke 10 years ago. She is speaking now. But while back then she was ostracised by the industry she was part of, she now has an audience from within it that is willing to listen – and even to support her.

The disturbing sequence of events that unfolded a decade ago on the sets of Horn Ok Pleassss was shared in a series of tweets by senior entertainment journalist Janice Sequiera (three of which have been attached below).

The account by Sequeira was shared by a few celebrities, who urged their millions of followers to read it. They also called on everyone to not shame the actor for her film choices.

However, not everyone has been forthcoming enough to give a statement. Two of the biggest actors of the industry, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, have refused to comment on the issue. That both had made their names (and lots of money) through their recent women-centric films is a separate matter. Other big names in the industry too have maintained a studious silence.

Perhaps this code of silence adopted by the majority is why, despite some public support for Tanushree, the response of the Indian film industry to the matter has been lukewarm.

Tanushree’s allegations against Nana Patekar are serious. While the vandalising of her car by a mob allegedly at the behest of the producers of the film was a direct assault on a person’s right to work in a safe environment.

Tanushree has spoken about all of it in the past. Her narrative has remained the same for the past 10 years. But now the real question is whether Bollywood is going to listen to her, or simply shut its ears and hope the storm passes.