In October 2018, Tanushree Dutta, an Indian actress, sparked a national conversation by accusing veteran actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment on the sets of the film Horn Ok Pleassss in 2008. This bold move ignited the #MeToo movement in India, inspiring numerous women to share their own stories of harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry.
Dutta alleged that Nana Patekar had misbehaved with her during the filming of a special song for Horn Ok Pleassss.
This not only highlighted the prevalence of sexual misconduct in Bollywood but also brought attention to the lack of accountability and support for victims within the industry.
Following Tanushree Dutta’s allegations, the Mumbai police launched an investigation. However, in 2019, they filed a final report stating that there was no evidence to support Dutta’s claims. This report, known as a “B-summary,” effectively closed the case, labeling the FIR as false.
The alleged incident occurred in 2008, but Tanushree Dutta filed her complaint in 2018, more than seven years after the legal time limit for such offenses had expired.
- Tanushree Dutta has maintained her stance, accusing Nana Patekar of being a “pathological liar”
- Dutta said, “Nana is scared now because his supporter base in Bollywood has dwindled. All those who stood by him are either bankrupt or have sidelined him. People can see through his manipulations now, and thus he comes up with another major gaslight. Responding to a six-year-old allegation! Nana Patekar is a pathological liar.
- Patekar, in a recent interview with The Lallantop, had denied the allegations, stating, “I knew that it was all a lie, so I did not get angry.” He added, “Nothing happened. I don’t know what it was about. If something had happened, I would have told. Suddenly, someone says you did this. What do I say, I didn’t do it?”
- Patekar has consistently denied the allegations, stating that nothing untoward happened and that he is innocent.
The case has sparked intense debate about the challenges faced by women in reporting sexual harassment, particularly when there is a significant delay between the incident and the complaint. Dutta’s lawyer has stated that the case remains open, despite the court’s decision, indicating that further legal action may be pursued.
Tanushree Dutta’s courage in speaking out has been instrumental in galvanizing the #MeToo movement in India.
Her story, along with others, has highlighted the need for a more supportive environment where victims feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of backlash or ridicule.
