Kangana Asks KJo, Shabana Azmi to Speak Up on Bollywood’s #MeToo
Tanushree Dutta’s allegations have stirred up a storm in Bollywood.
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Bollywood’s #MeToo movement gains momentum after Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment on the sets of Horn OK Pleasss in 2008. Since then, many survivors have spoken out and named their alleged harassers on Twitter. TV producer Vinta Nanda accused the lead actor of Tara, Alok Nath of raping her almost 19 years ago. Queen director, Vikas Bahl has also been accused of sexual assault by an ex-employee of the now dissolved Phantom Films. Filmmakers Sajid Khan and Subhash Ghai have also been accused by women of sexual harassment and assault.
Alok Nath files a defamation case against Vinta Nanda
Sajid Khan, Nana Patekar exit ‘Housefull 4’
Filmmakers Subhash Ghai and Sajid Khan accused of sexual assault
Aamir Khan steps away from ‘Mogul’ after case against director Subhash Kapoor resurfaces
Multiple allegations surface against Alok Nath
Trigger Warning: The following article contains details about sexual assault and violence. The details may be traumatic for survivors. Reader discretion is advised.
Accused Ashish Patil Sent on 'Administrative Leave' by Yash Raj Films
An anonymous account named Ashish Patil, the Business Head of Y-Films in the #MeToo movement.
The YRF spokesperson told Times Now, “Ashish Patil has been asked to proceed on administrative leave till YRF thoroughly investigates the allegations levelled on him. YRF has earnestly requested the survivor to kindly step forward and share her account of the incidents to the Presiding Officer of our Internal Complaints Committee who would maintain utmost confidentiality. We seek her kind cooperation in the investigation so that we can appropriately address this issue. We are more than willing to extend our full support and cooperation to address this serious allegation. YRF has zero tolerance towards any form of sexual exploitation or harassment of women and we shall take the strictest necessary action against the alleged perpetrator, if the allegations of sexual harassment are found to be true.”
Farhan Akhtar's Sharp Retort to Amrita Puri
Relatives Are the Real Creeps: Tahira Kashyap on #MeToo
As the #MeToo movement has gained momentum in India, writer-director Tahira Kashyap, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana's wife, says sometimes, relatives can be the "real creeps". The 35-year-old, who dealt with sexual harassment in childhood, revealed her #MeToo story via a long post on Twitter.
"I found solace after around 20 years when I shared the same with my husband and parents. Often the closest people, especially the relatives in your life (those whom everyone trusts), are the real creeps. I know how it feels to be violated and stifled inside for years altogether and how the memories of it makes one shudder," Kashyap tweeted.
Kashyap says she used to be scared of a physical touch and said it was Ayushmann who healed her scars with love and patience.
"I was so scared of a physical touch that when I started dating my husband (then boyfriend) I would cry at every step of physical proximity. His patience and love healed me."
Even after the birth of their first child, "the memories of the torment" still haunted her.
"I know a heavy load was off my chest when even after having my first child, the memories of the torment still haunted me and for some reason I decided to tell my husband and parents about my childhood trauma."
Kashyap said the #MeToo movement is not only for the popular faces, and feels women from across all quarters must not feel ashamed to expose men who cross their boundaries. "Please do not feel ashamed to expose the transgressor and most of all we haven't brought it upon ourselves as women, teenagers, adolescents. And in my case, being a child. I urge you to not stay silent. Also we should maintain the sanctity of this movement and not let our personal vendetta or spurious stories kill the movement."
The Toffee director also appreciated men for taking a part in the #MeToo movement and encouraging women to speak up the truth. "Not all men think this way. When I see men giving a big push to this movement, I know the battle isn't lost," she added.
I Have Also Been Harassed in My Career: Saif Ali Khan
The Sacred Games star said he faced harassment years ago, even though it was not sexual in nature. “I have also been harassed in my career, not sexually, but I have been harassed 25 years ago and I am still angry about it,” Saif told PTI. “Most people don’t understand other people. It is very difficult to understand other people’s pain. I don’t want to talk about it because I am not important today. Even when I think about what happened with me I still get angry. Today, we have to look after women,” he added.
Read the story here.
Kangana Calls Out Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi For Not Speaking Up on #MeToo
In a recent media interaction, Kangana spoke about the latest season of Karan Johar’s upcoming show Koffee With Karan, and how Deepika and Alia were only seen talking about their dating lives in the promo. Kangana questioned the lack of any attention to to the #Metoo movement and expressed her disappointment at the perception of actors as mere dating objects.
"I have been speaking about it every day. But, now, more significantly, more people need to come out and talk about it. Where are people like Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi, they should also come out and talk. Karan Johar always has views about gym looks, airport looks, he tweets ten times about it, what about this? This is their identity, this is their bread and butter, Film Industry when it's going through such an important shift, where are they?”, she said.
She added, “I was seeing the promo (Koffee With Karan) that they have launched of his talk show, wherein again those frivolous talks have been going on. This one is sleeping with this one, that one is sleeping with. You know making girls look like Barbie dolls. This is not done and why men who change women like clothes are glorified. Has there been a woman who has been glorified like that?”
When asked about her stance on working with proven offenders, she replied, “I have taken a strong stand. When I was seventeen I had lodged an FIR. Some people need to be supported by the society but I don't want to discourage the lone fighters like me. There are some who will slap the offender right then and there and kick their ass, so there are women like that also who might not have to wait for years and years. There are women who need to be empowered and there are women who are very strong. But, my point is, where is Shabana Azmiji, why isn't she sharing her #MeToo experience.”
Action Director Sham Kaushal Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Nameeta Prakash, who worked as an assistant director on films like Manorama Six Feet Under, Ab Tak Chhappan and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., has accused the stunt director Sham Kaushal of inviting her in his room during an outdoor shoot and showing her an MMS clip on his mobile phone.
Kundali Bhagya's Shraddha Arya on #MeToo
At the Zee Rishtey Awards 2018, Kundali Bhagya's Shraddha Arya said, “I think it takes immense courage to come out and speak about the experiences that have horrified you, that are harassing you in some corner of your mind...To speak about such things it takes immense courage and it is also reliving as you talk about it in open and people know that you had been holding back in your mind. I really support the Me Too movement and I just cannot understand people who just brush it off." She added, "I also have something to say in the Me Too movement but I will say it on some another day... I have a very stark experience that always stayed in my mind and it would also help me if I talk about it.”
Every Organisation Should Follow Vishakha Guidelines: Kirron Kher
Actor and BJP MP Kirron Kher said that every organisation should follow the Vishakha Guidelines to curb sexual harassment at workplaces.
Kher was interacting with the media launch of television reality show India's Got Talent season 8 along with co-judges Malaika Arora and Karan Johar on Saturday here.
Reacting to the #MeToo campaign, which has gained momentum in India, Kher said: "It's not just about the film industry, it's about the world. This is happening all over the world. Things like these happen in media houses, corporate offices, schools and colleges, villages and cities.
"There is a law called 'Vishakha Guidelines'. It is supposed to be there in every institution whether it's a corporate office or the film industry. In every production house, it should be followed." The Vishakha Guidelines are a set of procedural guidelines for use in India in cases of sexual harassment. They were promulgated by the Supreme Court in 1997 and were superseded in 2013 by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
She also said that one should immediately bring such matter in knowledge of the concern authorities. "If anyone faces such kind of things then, they should complain immediately and the institution concerned is supposed to investigate the matter. If you are not following the Vishakha Guidleines then, you are making a mistake."
Alok Nath Asks CINTAA and IFTDA to Withdraw Notices Against Him
Actor Alok Nath who has been accused of sexual assault and rape by 4 women, including writer and director Vinta Nanda was issued a notice by the Cine and TV Artiste’s Association (CINTAA) asking him why he should not be expelled from the association immediately. The Indian Film and Television Director’s Association (IFTDA) had also sent Alok Nath a notice asking him his stand on the allegations against him.
Alok Nath has reportedly replied to the film bodies on Saturday. His response by his lawyer Ashok Saraogi, states, "Without going into the merits of the matter, your letter indicates that your office has received some complaints in writing, however, till date, no such complaint has been received by my client." Nath has asked the associations to furnish the details of the complaint.
Citing the content of the CINTAA notice as false, it mentions, "On the face of it as till date, no such charge have been levelled against my client before any of the competent authority."
Saraogi says that the matter should have been reported to the police or to the court which was not done. The association has been asked not to act based on press reports or social media and withdraw the notice "till the time actual facts are brought before the Competent court of law and appropriate orders be passed by any court."
Konkona Sen Sharma, Zoya Akhtar, Kiran Rao Issue Statement on Me Too In Bollywood
A team of women filmmakers have issued a statement in support of the #MeToo movement that is currently raging on in Bollywood. Konkona Sen Sharma, Zoya Akhtar, Kiran Rao, Meghna Gulzar, Nandita Das and others have also said that they would not work with proven offenders.
See the statement below:
Actor Kate Sharma Accuses Subhash Ghai of Sexual Harassment
While there have been a few anonymous allegations against filmmaker Subhash Ghai for sexual assault and harassment, for the first time an actor came out and accused the director of trying to forcibly kiss her. Kate Sharma has filed a police complaint against Subhash Ghai in Mumbai on Saturday. "He called me at his house on August 6. 5-6 people were present there and he asked me to give him a massage. I massaged him & went to wash my hands, he followed me and called me to his room to talk & tried to kiss me," Kate Sharma was quoted as saying by ANI.
Whatever Is Happening Is a Good Thing: Naseeruddin Shah
Veterean actor Naseeruddin Shah has lent his support to the #MeToo movment.
Bhushan Kumar Files Complaint Against Anonymous Person Levelling Sexual Harassment Allegations; Wife Defends Him
T-Series chairman Bhushan Kumar has filed a complaint in Mumbai's Amboli police station against an unknown person for posting offending remarks and statements against him on social media and leveling sexual harassment allegations at him, reports ANI.
His wife Divya Khosla Kumar took to Twitter to say that it’s sad that some people are misusing the movement, and that even Lord Krishna had to fight against criticism.
Actors like Norah Fatehi and Urvashi Rautela have also tweeted in his defence.
Manish Malhotra Supports #MeToo
Designer Manish Malhotra spoke out in support of the #MeToo movement: “I'm happy that people are speaking their minds. It's not just about #Metoo movement. It's also about the things that are taboo like depression, feeling liberated in being who you are.Raising voice when someone is hurting/forcing you is something fabulous.”
Women Should Be Taken Seriously and Believed: Vicky Kaushal on #Metoo Movement
Vicky Kaushal believes #MeToo movement is bringing an important and much needed cultural shift.
The "Manmarziyaan" actor says it is necessary to believe women and pay attention to their stories.
"It is an important cultural shift. It is a beautiful shift happening. It is so amazing to see so many women coming out with their stories of what happened with them. It doesn't matter whether it is one day or one year or ten years or 100 years. It is a still very difficult for women to come out with a story like this and place it front of the entire world in it's most naked form.
"The least we can do is we can hear them and give them a platform and dignity to say what happened with them and assure them that it will be taken seriously. It is high time something like this happened," Vicky said at India Film Project Saturday.
Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, who was also present at the event for a session titled 'Role of Criticism in Insta Generation', chose to stay mum on the #MeToo movement, reports PTI.
Two Mumbai Lawyers to Help #MeToo Victims Seek Legal Redressal
Two eminent Mumbai-based lawyers, Mrunalini Deshmukh and Vaibhav Krishnan, have volunteered to provide legal aid to victims of sexual harassment and assault, without charging any fee.
Several commentators have said that the #MeToo movement would fizzle out unless legal recourse is taken by or on behalf of women who have spoken up. Judicial redress may now be available for many of these women.
Meanwhile, the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has issued notices to all the directors who have been named by women for sexual harassment or assault. reports IANS.
Ashoke Pandit, president of IFTDA said notices had been sent to the accused filmmakers, including Sajid Khan and Vikas Bahl, seeking their response withi ten days. If they do not respond, their names would be placed on the 'non-ccoperation list, following which the women could approach the two lawyers who have come forward to provide legal help, he added.
IFTDA could not send a notice to Nana Patekar since he was an actor and not a director, Pandit said.
Kudos to All Women Who Are Claiming Their Stories: Swara on #MeToo
Actress Swara Bhasker is happy that women are coming out and claiming their stories.
Swara was here to walk for designer Karishma Deepa Sondhi on the final day of the ongoing edition of Lotus Make-Up India Fashion Week (LMIFW).
Asked her opinion about the ongoing #MeToo movement in India, Swara said: "Have already spoken at length about it. I also tweeted my support. I think the #MeToo movement was a long time pending in India and it's good that it has finally come out and kudos goes to all the women who are braving their past trauma and re-living it and claiming their own stories with their own names."
Swara stressed that their stories should be heard, reports IANS.
"We should all listen...I am not only talking about Bollywood, I am talking about all workplace," she added.
Saif Ali Khan Says He Had Not Noticed Anything Untoward on the Sets of 'Humshakals'
Saif Ali Khan, who starred in Humshakals alongside Bipasha Basu, told Times of India that he had not noticed anything like she has accused Sajid Khan of on the sets, but that it’s important to listen to everything before reacting to it. He lauded the women talking about harassment and said he hoped the #MeToo movement would change the general attitude towards woman.
Want Only Truth to Be Stated With No Exaggerations: Jewellery Design Farah Khan on #Metoo
Jewellery designer Farah Khan is the latest celebrity to share her opinion on the ongoing #MeToo movement in India. She says although she supports the brave women who have spoken out against their perpetrators, she also wants just the truth to be stated with no exaggerations as some may try to misuse it.
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Khan said: "Been super busy the last couple days so did not log in as I had an launch last evening that I was preparing for since awhile. That was important to me so did not have time to comment on Twitter for those asking."
"My comments on the #METooCampaign. I support the brave women who have spoken out against their perpetrators. But I also ask only the truth to be stated with no exaggerations, as the more honest and real we keep this the more successful it will be. Some will try to misuse it too," she posted.
She also said it takes great guts and courage to speak out against those that have harassed women sexually, reports IANS.
Blown out of Proportion, Says Usha Uthup on #Metoo Movement
At a time when the #MeToo movement is gaining momentum in India, renowned singer Usha Uthup on Friday expressed her sadness on the entire episode.
"I am quite sad about the whole thing being blown out of proportion. Am equally sad on how it has been worked out. I never thought they could do something of this kind to make it that big," Uthup told IANS on the sidelines of the MTV India Music Summit that began here on Friday.
"I feel sorry. It should not have happened like this. So many people involved and hurt in so many ways."
She further specified that it's not only women who have been hurt in this movement, reports IANS.
Your Truth Will Come Out Very Soon: Sapna Bhavnani on Big B
Sapna Bhavnani took to Twitter to post a message addressed to Amitabh Bachchan rife with insinuations.
When I Sued Anu Malik, I Fought it Alone: Alisha Chinai
The #MeToo movement may have gained momentum in India now but Alisha China didn’t mince words while accusing Anu Malik in the 90s.
Application Filed Against Vinta Nanda by Alok Nath's Wife
ANI reports that an application has been filed by Alok Nath's wife in Mumbai's Andheri Court against writer-producer Vinta Nanda seeking directions to Amboli police for taking cognisance of the complaint & investigating the matter as per CrPC 155 & under 499, 500, 34 & 114 IPC.
Shouldn’t Make Allegation Without any Legal Evidence: Sussanne Khan
Sussanne Khan was interacting with the media when she attended her sister Farah Khan Ali’s new collection launch at her designer store along with Bhagyashee Patwardhan-Dasani, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan and Kanika Kapoor on Friday here.
Alok Nath Files a Defamation Case Against Vinta Nanda
“We have not received the notice and we’ll respond when we get it,” writer-producer Vinta Nanda’s representatives told The Quint. Nanda has accused Nath of rape.
According to The Indian Express, The complaint submitted to the court reads, ‘..it is a matter of record that recently, at USA, a campaigning had been started in the name of “#Me Too” and accordingly, some of the artists in the film industry along with others have joined the said campaigning by way of alleging that during the shoots or during the career in the film industry, they have been sexually assaulted...’
It further states ‘The Complainant states that accordingly, the Accused had posted a news on the social media without naming the husband of the Complainant however, she has accused him of having committed a rape with her about 19 years back… The Complainant states that the said matter had been widely published by all the Newspapers along with TV channels and during the said process, the Accused has also started abusing the Complainant by making unwanted allegations against the Complainant.’
Nana Patekar Bows Out of 'Housefull 4'
After Sajid Khan stepped down as the director of the aforesaid film. Nana Patekar has also conformed his exit from the ‘Housefull 4’.
I Was Shamed & Humiliated: Adhyayen Suman
Adhyayen Suman took to Twitter to open up on how his #MeToo story that he shared two years ago was met with humiliation. In 2016, Suman had levelled allegations against Kangana for physically violating him.
Casting Agents Mukesh Chhabra, Vicky Sidana Named in B'Wood's #MeToo Movement
Multiple allegations have surfaced against the top casting agents of B-Town. Mukesh Chhabra has been accused of grabbing and groping women.
Mid-Day reports that according to a telephone recording Chhabra can be heard saying, "You'll have to compromise, get physical with people in power." He adds, "I am not promising that people ready to compromise get selected. Everyone is ready to compromise. It's no big deal. We can meet at a hotel tonight."
Another actor who auditioned for a Neeraj Pandey film said, "Vicky was giving a gyaan session about how I won't get offers if I don't offer sex. When I stepped out for a photoshoot, he got chatting with my sister. He then pushed her on the couch and squeezed her breast, all the while muttering, 'Actress kyun nahin ban jati.' When I heard about it, I swore I would never see his face again," she shared her ordeal.
'Aisha' Actor Amrita Puri Speaks Out Against Sajid Khan
Read more here.
Not a #MeToo But #MeMe Movement: Richa Dubey, Vikas Bahl's Ex-wife
Richa Dubey came out in support of her ex-husband Vikas Bahl and insinuated vendetta on the part of Kangana who had accused Bahl of sexual misconduct. Read the story here.
After Sona Mohapatra, Two Others Accuse Kailash Kher of Harassment
Singer Sona Mohapatra has accused Kailash Kher as well as music director Anu Malik of behaving inappropriately with her. In the first of a series of tweets, she describes an incident where Kher, the ‘Allah ke Bande’ singer put his hand on her thigh saying, “lines like, your (sic) so beautiful, feel so good that a ‘musician got you’ [her partner composer Ram Sampath] not an actor.”
Writing to Mohapatra, a former journalist took to Twitter and narrated her own chronicle of harassment by Kher. Read more here.
Ajay Devgn comes out in support of #MeToo
Ajay Devgn has taken to Twitter to share his feelings on the movement. “I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to #MeToo. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF nor I will stand for it,” he shared.
YRF Responds to Sexual Harassment Allegations, Asks Survivor to Reach Out
Earlier this week Yash Raj Films’ talent head Ashish Patil was accused of sexual exploitation. Now the studio has issued a response on Twitter, saying that they do not tolerate any such behaviour. They have also asked the survivor to contact them with details of the incident and promised to keep her anonymity intact.
Nana Patekar to Be Dropped From ‘Housefull 4’?
According to a Times of India report, Nana Patekar might leave the cast of Housefull 4 after the immense scrutiny of the Tanushree Dutta case. He will be the second member of the Housefull 4 team after director Sajid Khan to be dropped from the film.
Mandana Karimi Accuses 'Kya Kool Hain Hum 3' Director of Harassment
Actor Mandana Karimi has spoken out against her Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 director Umesh Ghadge, accusing him of harassing her to the point that she decided to quit acting.
Riteish Deshmukh Reacts to Allegations Against Sajid Khan
Riteish Deshmukh, who has been a staple of the Housefull franchise, has shared a statement on Twitter commending the bravery of the women coming out with their #MeToo stories and supported Akshay Kumar’s stand that the allegations against Sajid Khan should be investigated.
Another Woman Accuses Sajid Khan
The latest woman to accuse Khan of sexual misconduct is actor Simran Suri, who in a tweet alleged that the director called her to his Juhu home and asked her to strip.
Bipasha Basu Reacts to Accusations Against Sajid Khan
Bipasha Basu, who had back in 2014 refused to promote her film Humshakals accusing director Sajid Khan of sexism and harassment, has now spoken out against the filmmaker again. In an interview to Indian Express, she said:
Farhan 'Disappointed' Over #Metoo Accounts Against Sajid
Actor-filmmaker-singer Farhan Akhtar says he is shocked to read accounts by multiple women who faced sexual misconduct by his cousin and director Sajid Khan.
Farhan on Friday took to Twitter to condemn the behaviour of the "Housefull" director, who is the son of his mother's sister.
He wrote: "I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid's behaviour. I don't know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions."
Farah Khan Reacts to Allegations Against Sajid Khan
Farah Khan has taken to Twitter to react to the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against brother Sajid Khan. She had this to say.
Dia Mirza Supports Journalist Who Accused Sajid Khan of Sexual Assault
Actor Dia Mirza has tweeted in support of Karishma Upadhyay, the journalist who accused director Sajid Khan of sexual assault. “I’m sorry you had to go through this” she wrote.
Malaika Arora Supports the #MeToo Movement
Talking about the #MeToo movement in Bollywood, Malaika Arora told ANI:
Ekta Kapoor Sacks Subhash Kapoor From Upcoming Web Series
Aamir Khan recently announced that his production house was dropping out of biopic ‘Mogul’ after news of an ongoing sexual harassment case against its director Subhash Kapoor surfaced. Now, according to a report in Mid-day, Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor has also sacked the director from her upcoming webseries, The Verdict. He was to be the showrunner for the series which was being produced under the ALTBalaji banner.
In February 2014, actor Geetika Tyagi had accused Subhash Kapoor of molesting her. He was arrested in June 2014 after Tyagi filed an FIR against him, but was later released on bail.
(Source: Mid-day)
Luv Ranjan Asked Me to Strip Down to My Bra & Panties: Unnamed Actor
While speaking to Mid-Day, the anonymous actor disclosed her unpleasant experience during the auditioning of Pyaar Ka Punchnaama in 2010. She said that the dress code was a short skirt and a tight top, which was fairly common, and wasn't a problem with her.
She added, “ I was at Kumar Mangat's office and Abhishek Pathak, his son, was the producer....Luv Ranjan said there was a kissing scene and bikini scene in the movie and asked if I was fine with that, to which I said yes. He said he wanted to see what I'd look like in a bikini. Later in life, when I gave another audition for a movie, there was a female stylist who gave me a bikini to do a look test in the presence of lots of people. Luv asked me to strip down to my bra and panties. He said he wanted to see my body so he could check if I needed to lose weight. He said they were not recording anything and the cinematographer would also leave the room, so I needn't worry. After that, it all gets blurry. My heart was pounding and I rushed out saying I had to leave and wasn't comfortable with it. I went home and tried to forget about it."
Sajid Khan Steps Down as 'Housefull 4' Director
Following accusations of sexual assault and harassment by various women, filmmaker Sajid Khan has said that he is stepping down from his directorial post on Housefull 4. Read Sajid’s statement below:
I've Requested Producers To Cancel the 'Housefull 4' Shoot: Akshay Kumar
A source close to the production house has informed Hindustan Times that Akshay cancelled the October 12 (Friday) shoot of Housefull 4 in Mumbai following allegations of sexual harassment against the film’s director, Sajid Khan.
“Akshay is known to be a disciplinarian and has never cancelled a shoot in his 28-year career. This is the first time that he has decided to cancel a shoot, perhaps because the #Metoo movement just cannot be ignored. The allegations made against Sajid Khan and Nana Patekar are both serious and grave in nature,” the source told Hindustan Times.
Twinkle took to Twitter exhorting the ‘Housefull’ squad to take a firm stance.
'Ungli' Actor Rachel White Claims Sajid Khan Promised a Role If She Would Seduce Him
After model-actor Saloni Chopra accused director Sajid Khan of sexual harassment in a long post on Medium, actor Rachel White shared her own harrowing experience with him. In a series of responses to Chopra’s tweets, White described how Khan invited her to his house on the pretext of discussing a role for an upcoming film. When the actor expressed her initial discomfort at having to meet in his home, Khan assured her they would not be alone as his mother would also be there. When White arrived, she was directed to Khan’s bedroom.
She goes on to describe how Khan’s gaze made her extremely uncomfortable. He then proceeded to initiate a conversation about her breasts, to which White says she did not respond.
According to White, Khan claimed that “no one has a problem with these things” and that the role was hers if she could “seduce him in five minutes”.
Khan has also been accused of sexual misconduct by a journalist.
Read more here.
Actor Himani Shivpuri Confirms Alok Nath's Inappropriate Behaviour
Actor Himani Shivpuri is the latest to speak up about Alok Nath, claiming that he appeared to have an alter-ego that was fuelled by alcohol. In an interview to PTI, she recounted an incident of this behaviour, which she experienced firsthand while the former co-stars were on the same flight.
Shivpuri worked with Nath on films like Hum Saath Saath Hai, Pardes, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and TV shows like Ghar Ek Sapnaa.
Read more here.
Piyush Mishra Accused of Inappropriate Behaviour
A former newspaper staffer Thursday accused Piyush Mishra of inappropriate behaviour during a party but the writer-director said he was probably a “few drinks down” and apologises if he made the “lady uncomfortable”.
Ketki Joshi said in a Facebook post that she met Mishra as a fan at a party where he was the main guest in 2014. He “started light flirting in front of the 20-25 people” and kept drinking throughout the party, getting progressively inebriated.
“I do not remember the stated incident as I was probably a few drinks down. But nevertheless I would like to extend my apology for making the lady uncomfortable either with my words or actions,” Mishra told PTI.
Anti-Harassment Committee Set Up by Screenwriters Association
Following in the footsteps of the Producer’s Guild, the Screenwriters Association (SWA) set up a special committee to address harassment at the workplace within the film industry, helmed by chaired by filmmaker Ketki Pandit. The likes of screenwriters Atika Chohan, Bikas Ranjan Mishra, Ishita Moitra, Jyoti Kapoor and filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan have also joined the committe.
Pandit told Mumbai Mirror that they are considering a gender-neutral policy where they will also look into harassment against men, women and the LGBTQ community.
Diana Penty on India's #MeToo Movement
Diana Penty has come out in support of women who are speaking about their sexual harassment experiences, saying she is proud of today's women as it takes immense courage to talk about such issues.
"I am proud that the #MeToo movement has kick-started. It is commendable that women are coming out and bringing light to the issues which they went through in the past. It takes a lot of courage," the Happy Bhag Jayegi actor told IANS at the ongoing Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week.
Sharing her own experience of sexual harassment, Diana said: "I used to go to school and college via train, so there were so many instances happened with me, which I don't even have a count on now. At some stage in life, we all have gone through some kind of harassment -- be it at a work place or somewhere else, we all have dealt with such fear in our life. "
Female Journalist Accuses Sajid Khan of Sexual Assault
Karishma Upadhyay, a journalist who writes for Firstpost among others, has shared an alleged incident of director Sajid Khan sexually assaulting her. Sajid allegedly exposed himself to Karishma during an interview, forcibly kissed her and did not allow her to leave.
Read the story here.
Director Soumik Sen Accused of Sexual Harassment
Soumik Sen, director of the Madhuri Dixit-Juhi Chawla starer Gulaab Gang, has been named in an anonymous post for sexually harassing a female actor. Chinmayi Sripaada, popular singer in the South Indian industry who has been sharing hers as well as other women’s #MeToo stories on Twitter, has shared this one as well.
The post details an incident when the actor met with Soumik at his home to discuss a role. He allegedly proceeded to ask her inappropriate questions, showed her porn, asked her to masturbate before reading the script and demanded sexual favours for the role.
Renuka Shahane Shares Her #MeToo Story
Renuka Shahane, who is a strong supporter of women’s rights and had also spoken in support of Tanushree Dutta, has said to Pinkvilla that she was aware of Alok Nath’s reputation. Nath has been accused by writer-producer Vinta Nanda of rape. Renuka has also shared her own horror story.
Read the story here.
Saloni Chopra Accuses Sajid Khan, Zain Durrani and Vikas Bahl of Sexual Harassment
Model-actor Saloni Chopra has accused Sajid Khan, Zain Durrani and Vikas Bahl of sexual harassment, abuse and blatant sexism respectively. In a long post on Medium, she describes her experiences in detail with them.
Filmmaker Onir has tweeted in her support:
Subhash Ghai Accused of Drugging and Sexual Assault
In an anonymous account shared on Twitter, a woman has detailed an incident of being drugged and raped by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Writer Mahima Kukreja, who was one of the first women to accuse comedian Utsav Chakraborty of sexual harassment last week and has since used her Twitter to share other women’s #MeToo stories, shared the account.
Mahima has noted the woman in question is a “very credible media/lit personality.” The woman mentions that she doesn’t want to be named because she doesn’t want it to affect her family. In the messages adressed to Mahima, the woman describes working with Subhash Ghai on a film years ago. After showing unwanted interest in the woman, Subhash allegedly offered her a spiked drink while dropping her home in his car. The woman remembers being taken to a hotel room and assaulted before losing consciousness.
Read the story here.
Society must listen to victims: Sushmita Sen on #MeToo
The #MeToo movement will work only if people listen to the victims, says actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.
Sushmita, who is known for raising her voice for social issues, told IANS here: "Though the (#MeToo) movement is copied from the West, it doesn't mean we will overlook it. It feels great that women are coming out and speaking about the harassment, reports IANS.
"As a part of society, people should listen to their stories and not judge them. Instead of ignoring them, we should encourage them. This movement will work only if we start listening to the victims. "
The 42-year-old was in the capital to walk the ramp as a showstopper for designers Bhumika and Jyoti at the Lotus Make-Up India Fashion Week on Thursday.
Women Don't Go to Work to Be Harassed: Smriti Irani on #MeToo
Union minister Smriti Irani has lent her opinion on #MeToo saying, “Women don’t go to work to be harassed. They go to work to live their dreams & earn a respectable living. I am hopeful that all these ladies who are speaking out get the justice that they deserve.” -- as reported by ANI.
Anil Kapoor Expresses Wholehearted Support for #MeToo Movement
Referring to the ongoing #MeToo movement, actor Anil Kapoor has commented that, “what is happening is fantastic”. “I have three women in my house & they're fiercely independent. I'm a listener & I think world (sic) should also be a listener & listen to whatever they have to say. For me, girls are superior in every aspect & I have said that always,” he said, as reported by ANI.
Gulzar on #Metoo: "Cinema Is a Reflection of the Society"
Veteran writer and filmmaker, Gulzar, offered his comments on the ongoing #MeToo movement at an event in Mumbai, in the wake of the claims by actor Tanushree Dutta against her former co-star Nana Patekar.
According to a report by IANS, he said, "Cinema is reflection of the society. If we say harassment of a women or a girl is happening only in cinema, then I don't think so. It has spread all over the society. Cinema has yet spared you where sexual harassment cases are still occurring with 4-year-old girl and a 8-year-old girl and thank God that cinema hasn't put that mirror in front of people. But beware, cinema has started reflecting every part of your life."
Big B Addresses Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
On his birthday, Amitabh Bachchan addresses the elephant in the room, though generically.
“No woman should ever be subjected to any kind of misbehaviour, or disorderly conduct; especially at her work place. Such acts should immediately be brought to the notice of concerned authorities, and corrective measures be taken, either through filing complaints or a recourse to law. Discipline and civic, social and moral curriculums, should be adopted at a very early educational level. Women children and the weaker sections of our society are the most vulnerable. They need to be under special protective care. It has been most heartening to see women representations in most work vocations, on the increase in our country. It would be an unrepairable blemish if we are not able to provide them the welcome they deserve and the dignity of the security of their presence,” he wrote.
Aamir Khan Drops 'Mogul' with Subhash Kapoor
In a joint statement on social media, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have lent support to the #MeToo movement currently sweeping over Bollywood. They said that their production house has a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment. Hence, they are stepping away from a film in which someone involved has been accused of sexual harassment.
The person being referred to here is Subhash Kapoor, who was to direct Mogul, a biopic on the life of late music baron Gulshan Kumar. The film was to be co-produced by T-series and Aamir Khan Productions.
“We do not want our action to reflect in any manner on the people involved in this case. We believe this is an opportunity for the film industry to introspect and take concrete steps towards change,” they added.
Bollywood Veteran Asrani Terms the #MeToo Movement as "Rubbish"
Deepika Amin Accuses Alok Nath of Sexual Misconduct
After Vinta Nanda and Sandhya Mridul, Deepika Amin and anonymous crew member accused Alok Nath of harassment, Deepika Amin took to Twitter to tell her #MeToo story.
“But recently on the shoot of Sonu Ke Titu ki Sweety he was quiet and subdued. Maybe he has changed? Maybe because the director Luv Ranjan made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate bad behaviour. But after reading Vinta Nanda’s heartbreaking account I felt I had to support her. BELIEVE WOMEN. They have everything to lose by speaking out. #IbelieveyouVintaNanda #metoo #Timesup," she added on Facebook.
Sneha Rajani, Ekta Kapoor in Committee to Tackle Sexual Harassment Issues
The Producers Guild of India has appointed Sneha Rajani, Head, Sony Pictures Networks Productions, to lead a committee to address the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace within the film industry.
The committee also includes industry experts Apoorva Mehta, Ekta Kapoor, Fazila Allana, Jyoti Deshpande, Kiran Rao, Kulmeet Makkar, Madhu Bhojwani, Priti Shahani, Rohan Sippy, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Vijay Singh.
Sona Mohapatra Also Names Anu Malik as a Serial Harasser
Sona Mohapatra in an Instagram post also named Anu Malik as a serial harasser without sharing any particular incident.
Anu Malik denied all allegations to News18, saying: “She’s meaning some case that had happened long time back. It has nothing to do with me. I have never worked with her also. So, I don't want to comment anything on it. She’s just dragging my name into this. I have not even met her.”
Sona then took to Twitter again to talk about how Malik allegedly called her at odd hours and how he allegedly harassed singer Suman Sridhar to the extent that she left the country: “”Really Anu’ji? Never met me? Called me at strange hours? What about Suman Shridhar? Didn’t harass her endlessly? She had to leave the country.”
YRF Talent Head Ashish Patil Accused of Sexual Exploitation; Denies Allegations
A survivor shares a chilling account of alleged sexual exploitation at the hands of the Talent and Business Head at Yash Raj Films, Ashish Patil. She described an ordeal where Patil approached her for a role and allegedly “tried his moves and eventually got his way”. The screenshots of her anonymous account were shared by a Twitter user.
Ashish Patil has responded to the allegations on social media, denying the allegations and urging the woman to “step forward and produce all facts”.
IFTDA Supports #MeToo Movement
IFTDA to issue a notice to actor Alok Nath who has allegedly sexually harassed TV producer Vinta Nanda.
Raghu Dixit Accused of Sexual Harassment; Apologises on Twitter
Singer Raghu Dixit has been accused of sexual harassment by two women on Twitter.
Raghu gave a detailed response apologising for his behaviour.
Amyra Dastur Claims to Have Faced Harassment in Bollywood and South Indian cinema
With actor Tanushree Dutta opening the floodgates for the #MeToo movement in India, leading to several celebrated names coming out to speak about their unsavoury experiences, actress Amyra Dastur says she has been a victim of “harassment” at the hands of “men and women” herself. However, she says she doesn’t have the guts to name and shame them.
Amyra made her acting debut in Bollywood with Issaq in 2013 and was later seen in Hindi films like Mr. X, Kaalakaandi and Kung Fu Yoga, which was also dubbed in Mandarin and English. The 25-year-old actress has also featured in Tamil and Telugu movies like Anegan, Manasuku Nachindi and Raja Gadu.
Asked if she had faced the casting couch or harassment in her journey, Amyra told IANS in an e-mail interaction: “To be honest, I haven’t faced casting couch in the south or Bollywood. But yes, I have faced my share of harassment in both industries. I don’t have the guts to name them because they are powerful people - men and women who made sure I felt helpless.” She says one day she will “definitely call them out on it”.
“But until I don’t feel safe and secure, I won’t point fingers. They know exactly who they are and what they have done. What I will say for now is that they better stop their discriminating ways because there’s definitely a wave of change coming and their status won’t be enough to protect them from Karma,” she added.
Citing an incident, Amyra said: “I have had an actor squeeze himself up against me during a shot in a song and whisper in my ear that he was so glad that I was in the film with him. When I threw him off me and refused to speak to him again, he made my experience miserable.
“My director told me to suck it up and honestly couldn’t care less. I was constantly called early to set, made to wait for hours and hours for my shot. I was made to shoot 18 hours a day, I slept for 4-5 hours if I was lucky.”
The actress, who started her career at the age of 16 as a model, says ultimately she was made to apologise to the actor. “To top it all, I was made to apologise to the actor for my difficult behaviour (as I kept ignoring him) by the producer,” she said.
Amyra says that on another film set, the director would yell and scream at her every single day of the shoot. “Sometimes he would call me early to set, make me wait all day in my vanity van and then send an assistant director after 12-13 hours to tell me I wasn’t going to shoot. He told me I should be ‘grateful’ that he even took me for this film.”
Everyone in the Industry Knew About Vikas Bahl: Imran Khan
Actor Imran Khan spoke about the #MeToo movement gaining momentum in Bollywood.
“I think it was long long long overdue. There have been times when I wanted to speak out. I was advised to stay quiet because they said people will assume I am trying to grab publicity. They (people) will say I am trying to become relevant and come in the news since my films have not worked well. Time and again, people around me will tell me to not speak up,” Imran said to The Indian Express.
He also spoke about how Vikas Bahl’s behaviour was brushed under the carpet by the industry collectively.
Sandhya Mridul Describes An Ordeal Where Alok Nath Tried To Force Himself On Her
Sandhya Mridul took to Twitter to stand in solidarity with TV producer Vinta Nanda’s account where she has alleged Alok Nath raped her. She also gave a detailed account where Alok tried to force himself on her during an outdoor shoot at the beginning of her career.
#MeToo: “Rajat Kapoor Tried to Kiss Me Repeatedly, I Was 20”
A Twitter user shared a post recently where several women have accused the actor and director Rajat Kapoor of sexual misconduct. A girl gave an account where Rajat Kapoor tried to kiss her repeatedly and called her a “little bitch”. Read more here.
Sona Mohapatra Lashes out at Kailash Kher
Singer Sona Mohapatra spoke about an incident where Kailash Kher made a lewd remark. “It’s a disease that he has & I can vouch for not only these two women’s stories but hundreds more he would’ve have preyed on,” she wrote on Twitter.
“The fact that Kailash had sung in my studios & for many projects in which I was the producer & knew me to be as strong as i am or that he had only recently taken a favour from my partner Ram Sampath to create a personal track for him didn’t stop him. The hubris of such men. That did not deter Kailash Kher though.
Sona Mohapatra described another incident where he put his hand on her thigh.
Anurag Kashyap Steps Down as MAMI Board Member
In a series of tweets, Anurag Kashyap gave his reasons for stepping down as MAMI board member “until the shadow of doubt of our alleged complicitness (sic) in silence and not doing anything about it, is cleared”.
Alok Nath Stripped In Front Of Me And Manhandled Me, Says Survivor
Another allegation against Alok Nath emerges, after a crew member on the sets of Hum Saath Saath Hain accused the veteran actor of “stripping in front of her and manhandling her”. The survivor anonymously spoke to Mid-day about the ordeal,
The survivor says she did not speak against him because she feared they wouldn’t believe her. "I was shell-shocked; I couldn't muster the courage to speak up against him. He was extremely close to the Barjatyas, and Sooraj sir would have taken it badly," she tells Mid-day.
Even though she buried the episode that happened so long ago, Vinta Nanda’s brave post made her want to describe the ordeal. “I don't actively do movies anymore. The course of my career changed [after this episode]. But Vinta's post brought it all back,” she said.
Aishwarya Rai and Designer Sabyasachi Mukherji Comment on #MeToo
At a recent event, actor Aishwarya Rai and fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherji were asked how they felt about the rising #MeToo movement in India.
Sapna Bhavnani Accuses Filmmaker of Molestation
Bollywood hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani has accused filmmaker Surendra Hiwarale of molesting her at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Read her post below.
IFTDA Issues Show Cause Notice to Vikas Bahl
Indian Film & Television Directors' Association has issued a show-cause notice to Director Vikas Bahl seeking his response to the sexual harassment allegations against him. If he fails to respond in a week's time , his membership of IFTDA will be terminated.
IFTDA president spoke to the press on the matter.
Vinta Nanda Speaks Out After Accusing Alok Nath of Sexual Harassment
“He did not deny it even in 2003, 2004 and 2005 when I had written about it. Now I am feeling fearless, he is feeling scared,” said Vinta Nanda, writer and producer who leveled rape allegations against Alok Nath.
In a press conference, Vinta says she is not scared of the consequences of speaking out and wants Alok to be ashamed of his actions and the repercussions on her life. “I am meeting consultants and advisors today evening, so by tomorrow I will have the next course of action ready. I am not ashamed of anything, it is he who should feel ashamed,” she added.
Talking about the #MeToo movement gaining momentum in India, Vinta said, “This is just the beginning”.
Vikas Bahl Kicked Out From Ranveer Singh's '83'
Queen director, Vikas Bahl has been outed from Ranveer Singh's 83, following sexual misconduct allegations against him by multiple women.
CINTAA to Send Alok Nath Notice After Vinta Nanda Levels Rape Allegations
The General Secretary of the Cine and TV Artists’ Association (CINTAA), Sushant Singh, has said that a notice would be sent to Alok Nath for his expulsion from the association on account of Vinta Nanda’s allegations against him.
'Stree' Actor Flora Saini Shares Experience of Being Assaulted by Producer
Stree actor Flora Saini has shared on social media how she has been repeatedly assaulted by producer Gaurang Doshi. She shared on social media how she was in an abusive relationship with him and how he threatened to ruin her career if she ever spoke up.
Vikas Bahl Accused of Sexual Harassment By Several Women
After Kangana Ranaut accused Queen director Vikas Bahl of sexual misconduct on the sets of the film, another female actor anonymously told Miss Malini that Bahl had once tried to forcibly kiss her.
A former Phantom Films employee’s allegations of sexual assault against Bahl, one of the co-founders were reportedly one of the reasons of the downfall of the company.
Queen actor Nayani Dixit, who played Kangana’s friend in the film also accused director Vikas Bahl of inappropriate behaviour during the film’s shoot. “Whatever the girl has accused Vikas Bahl is not at all wrong because he also tried his hand on me. I literally told him that ‘main tumhe maarungi if you do this again’. So I am sure he did the same with the girl in question as well,” Nayani Dixit said in an interview.
Varun Grover Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations
Screenwriter and lyricist Varun Grover is the latest celebrity to be accused of harassment in the onslaught of the #MeToo movement in India. Grover has categorically denied the allegations. “I completely, totally, absolutely deny all of it, line by line. The whole account never happened,” he said to CNN-News18.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap backed Grover’s statement denying the allegations.
Producers Guild Releases Statement
Producers Guild of India releases statement after allegations against Bollywood celebrities mount.
President of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India, Siddharth Roy Kapur told ANI, “Producer’s guild is forming a committee to look into the different allegations of sexual harassment and to provide possible help to the victims”.
Mahesh Bhatt Reacts to MeToo Movement
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