Last week, Tanushree Dutta sent shockwaves across the nation when she returned to India from the US, and accused Nana Patekar of sexually harassing her.
The incident had taken place a decade ago, on the sets of the film Horn OK Pleasss. The actor tried to get too close to her for comfort, during a dance sequence in the film.
In a recent interview, Tanushree recounted the incident that scarred and compelled her to leave Bollywood and India for good. “I was supposed to get touchy-feely with Nana Patekar. When I resisted, they said that I was ‘un-cooperative’ and ‘woh scene karna hi padega’,” she said.
Following this, as reported by eyewitnesses as well, she walked to the vanity van and refused to come out for 30 minutes. It didn’t end there. Some goons from the MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena), called by the producers, arrived and bashed her car. Bollywood remained silent, according to Tanushree, even though the incident made headlines for days.
In the past week, Tanushree has been giving several interviews and responding to Nana Patekar’s lawyers, as well as expressing cynicism at some of her colleagues like Priyanka Chopra and Twinkle Khanna’s support.
While actors like Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhasker expressed support for Tanushree Dutta, Amitabh Bachchan evaded the question when asked and said, “Na toh mera naam Tanushree Dutta hai aur na hi Nana Patekar.”
Recently, Tanushree was rather hurt at his response and said, “I’m hurt, as these are people who do movies on social causes. They play roles in films and the audience applauds. But when it comes to standing up and doing something about what is happening in front of you, there are these evasive statements that don’t make sense.”
Tanushree has released a new statement, where she said she would return in a while. ” My throat is swollen, voice down and I’m unwell because of the exhaustion of the last few days. For the last 8 years that I’ve been on the spiritual path, regardless of which part of the world I am, I mostly prefer to live in solitude, silence, prayer and meditation and have gotten used to that peaceful lifestyle.
“I only come out and interact socially and even speak only when need be for work or other social commitments. But last few days I’ve had to go all out talking and interacting with press up to 16 hours a day for the sake of this movement and it has drained me out a bit. Im resting to regain some strength while some other developments take place in the back ground. I will be back in few days and join the fight again. This is not just a news story anymore my friends. This is a war that I have been called to partake in for not only my sake but for the sake for countless millions..It is my dharma; my duty as a human being,” she said in her statement.
Just a few days ago, Tanushree said that Nana was still harassing and trying to intimidate her, through his advocate.
