‘Enough With The Shaming’: Celebs Finally Speak Up In Support Of Tanushree Dutta

The superstars, especially the ones who enjoy cult status have shied away from taking a stand.

By: TK Sreeraj |
September 29, 2018 7:39 pm

Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta’s allegation of harassment and intimidation against veteran Nana Patekar has reignited the debate on the issue of safety of women at workplace in the film industry. The 35-year-old actor has alleged that Patekar misbehaved with her on the sets of Horn Ok Pleassss in the year 2008. She also said that no action was taken when she filed a complaint.

Despite two women coming out in her support to corroborate the allegations, Bollywood’s bigwigs have yet to come out in her support. The superstars, especially the ones who enjoy cult status often shy away from taking a stand. When asked to comment on the issue, Amitabh Bachchan distanced himself, while Salman Khan said he was ‘unaware’ of the issue altogether. Aamir Khan, who often dabbles in social activism, said that while he is sad about what had happened, he carefully chose to not offend any side.

However, the ‘not-so-superstars’ of Bollywood chose to respond and offered solidarity with Dutta. Many also slammed the entire narrative of victim shaming that is being done on social media.

Here’s what they have been saying in her support:

Actor Siddharth, whose comments have long since established that he’s one of the most woke men in the entertainment industry, said:

If a women speaks out about abuse, you listen. Even if it’s on her deathbed 50 years after the incident,you listen. If you ask why she didn’t speak earlier or you rush to dismiss her, the problem is with you. There will be investigation; but first, listen. Period. #TanushreeDutta

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) September 28, 2018

Reporting abuse is traumatic. To be analyzed in public for it is torture. To have some bastard suggest the woman is doing it for attention is inhuman. You always give the victim benefit of the doubt. Enough with shaming! Innocent men will overcome any accusation! #TanushreeDutta

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) September 28, 2018

It hurts to be #TanushreeDutta rn. To be alone, questioned. No woman wants publicity that opens the floodgates of trolling and insensitivity.What happened to her on set was intimidation.Her only fault was she didn’t back down-takes a special courage to be #TanushreeDutta.

— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) September 27, 2018

Agreed..the world needs to #BelieveSurviviors https://t.co/ia82UsCkkq

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) September 28, 2018

This thread is very telling. @janiceseq85 was there at the time of the incident being debated today. Even when #TanushreeDutta had career concerns to keep quiet 10 years ago she did not & her story hasn’t changed now. Her courage should be admired, not her intention questioned. https://t.co/Ola3MNdmtS

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) September 27, 2018

Will this also die a natural death with no formal complaint, no proper investigation and no punitive action against the predator if he is found guilty? Honestly, I am cynical about the outcome. These offenders go scot free because our outrage is short-lived. #TanushreeDutta https://t.co/iHTBa0VQY9

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) September 28, 2018

To all the people making stupid insinuations about a ‘publicity stunt’ there are now two very credible witnesses with the same story #TanushreeDutta https://t.co/idbUSXaTbo

— kunal kapoor (@kapoorkkunal) September 28, 2018

I believe #TanushreeDatta and @janiceseq85 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. https://t.co/sF3mS5o1P8

— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) September 28, 2018

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!

— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) September 28, 2018

This should stop the speculation .. about the intention of the survivor https://t.co/1R9Zs12DIM

— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) September 28, 2018

Neither am #TanushreeDutta nor #NanaPatekar but even a cursory knowledge of gender-based power-dynamics & ugliness of male behaviour in this world should inform us that she’s telling the truth. Telling your stories is the way things will change. रसरि आवत जात ते सिल पर परत निसान।

— वरुण (@varungrover) September 28, 2018