The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) has severed all ties with actor Alok Nath who has been accused of harassing several actors and raping director and producer Vinta Nanda. CINTAA shared the news on their official Twitter handle. The decision was taken when the body called for a meeting between Nanda and Nath, but the latter did not attend it. Nanda shared her horrific experiences with Nath on social media as the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India.
According to ANI, Nath has been asked to appear during the Annual General Meeting on May 1 and if he fails to appear for the same, he'll be permanently expelled, said the Sr Joint Secretary of Committee of Cine and TV Artistes' Association.
Reacting to the move, Vinta Nanda told The Quint:
It’s a very big step for an industry body to take and it’s a landmark and unprecedented step. It’s a great move in terms of establishing a system and sending a very clear message that everyone is accountable. No matter how late or early it is, if you are a part of an industry, you are accountable. This was not the case in the past when everyone was acting with impunity and getting away with anything. It’s much larger than just my case. It’s a very broad statement, all encompassing the many complaints that have come. There are hundreds of complaints coming to the Screenwriters’ Association ever since the ICs were formed; there is the Indian Television and Director’s Association. Unfortunately, he was not a member with those associations, so they would not expel him but I do believe this is a very solid, collective call being taken by CINTAA, because they are fully supported by all other associations as well.Vinta Nanda, Director and Producer
Meanwhile, here’s a copy of the letter sent to Vinta Nanda by CINTAA:
Dear Madam, This is with reference to your complaint letter dated 9th October 2018 along with all other allegations and issues as reported by the members of our fraternity against Mr. Alok Nath.It was decided in the Executive Committee meeting dated 12th November 2018 to expel Mr. Alok Nath from the membership of our Association (CINTAA) with immediate effect.Thanks and regardsAmit Behl, Sr. Joint Secretary & Chairman, Outreach Committee
A local court on 26 October rejected an application filed by actor Alok Nath's wife seeking an injunction order against writer Vinta Nanda who had accused him of rape.
In the application, Nath's wife had sought that Nanda be directed to refrain from speaking to the media or making statements against the actor.
According to Nath's lawyer, Ashok Saraogi, the court said it could not pass an injunction order against Nanda at this stage in the proceedings.
Earlier this month, Nath had filed a civil defamation suit against Nanda after she accused him of rape.
The actor had sought a written apology, along with a compensation of Re 1, and a restraining order against the writer.
Amid the #MeToo movement that got sparked in India after Tanushree Dutta renewed a decade-old allegation against Nana Patekar, Nanda of Tara fame spoke up against Alok, who has for years enjoyed a holier than thou image on-screen.
Several others also came out about their experiences with Alok, leading film and television associations like CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes Association) and IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Directors' Association) to send him notices.
Alok had rejected IFTDA's notice on the ground that no police complaint had been filed against him. Instead, he filed a civil defamation suit against Nanda, demanding a written apology and compensation of one rupee.
Nanda's lawyer had said on Monday that her client will remain undaunted in her fight against the sexual violation she faced even if defamation suits come her way.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
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