Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | October 04, 2018

It’s been quite a hectic week. A journalist asked a question to Tanushree Dutta during the course of an interview on the #MeToo subject, and Tanushree asked another question in return.

The result: Her harassment on the sets of Horn Ok Please at the hands of Nana Patekar in 2008, and the FIRs and counter-FIRs filed and no one coming out to help her then was brought right back to where it belongs—In Bollywood’s public domain!

But has Tanushree got enough support from within?

The support has been tepid to say the least. Amitabh Bachchan, who could have made a difference to Tanushree’s ordeal by lending his support, responded in a very filmi manner when asked, by saying: “Neither is my Name Nana Patekar, nor Tanushree Dutta. How can I answer your question.”

Here are excerpts from a letter Amitabh Bachchan wrote to his granddaughters on September 5, 2016, which was a huge hit on the internet. He stated that “it is a letter meant not just for you but every granddaughter.” (I guess Tanushree included).

…And because you are women people will force their thinking, their boundaries on you…

…Don’t live in the shadows of people’s judgement. Make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom.

…People will talk. They shall say some terrible things. But that doesn’t mean you have to listen to everyone. Never ever worry about— log kya kahenge.

…It may not be easy, setting your own boundaries, making your own choices, rising above people ‘s judgement.

…But YOU !… you can set an example for women everywhere.

That’s what Tanushree is doing; I’m sure this letter was meant for her also, but alas… Rishtey mein to… who is Tanushree?

Farah Khan is another director/actor who disappointed Tanushree. She posted a picture on social media with Nana Patekar and a few of the cast of Housefull 4. Speaking on Zoom TV, Tanushree said: “It’s not about the picture here; it’s the fact that you being in a position of power and you have the position to say no I’m not going to work with this actor you still go ahead and you’re cocky enough to post a picture and rub in on my face. It means that it is of no consequence to you that another human being has been troubled so much by this very person who is right next to you and you are the one who will come forward and speak about women empowerment and what not. That is what is disgusting. You are showing your true colours to all your fans and to all the people who have always believed that you have a certain character now you are exposing yourself.”

Mrs Funny Bones, Twinkle Khanna’s support to Tanushree was also ‘called out’: “Thank you, ma’am, for supporting me but your husband (Akshay Kumar) is about to or is even shooting the film with Nana Patekar. What about that? That is the question I am asking and how much of that support is genuine because it doesn’t result in any kind of disciplinary action,” she told a leading entertainment news channel.

It would be nice to see Bollywood erupt in support for one of their own. A woman is asking for justice. She is fighting for justice. It’s up to the women (and men) out there to ensure they stand by her!

Or do we just believe in Candle Marches?

Also read: Beauty for ashes… The story of Tanushree Dutta