Although the #MeToo movement took almost an year to reach India, it has gained a lot of momentum after Tanushree Dutta’s reminder about Nana Patekar’s actions. Since then, women from every work of life have joined forces to out men who have harassed them. Joining this list of despicable people is Suhel Seth.
Last night, filmmaker and creative producer, Natashja Rathore spoke up about her encounter with celebrated columnist Suhel Seth.
Trigger warning: The events described in this post are graphic in nature. So, please proceed with caution.
1. It all began with a request to eat ice-cream.
2. Natashja thanked Suhel for not raping her that night.
3. It’s time that his facade comes to an end.
Natashja’s #MeToo story prompted others to share their horrific meetings with Suhel Seth as well. One of them was France 24 journalist, Mandakini Gahlot.
1. Mandakini says Suhel has been at this for years.
I am not at all surprised that Suhel Seth's name has come up in the #MeToo conversation. For years he has preyed on young women, and the whisper network was ripe with stories of his depravity. I was 26 when he publicly harassed and humiliated me. No one stopped him. @MasalaBai
— Mandakini Gahlot (@MandakiniGahlot) October 10, 2018
2. The incident happened at the Taj Aguada hotel.
One evening after the conference, about a 100 odd people were having cocktails in the hotel. I don't remember how, but I got talking to Suhel about the conference. There was a small group of people who were part of the conversation, his friends or sycophants, I don't know.
— Mandakini Gahlot (@MandakiniGahlot) October 10, 2018
3. Suhel’s lack of understanding about consent is apparent.
I finished my drink and was saying bye to the people in that group, when Suhel reached out – I figured for a quick hug – and planted a big sloppy kiss on my mouth, I felt his tongue inside my mouth. I was so stunned and I said something like Suhel, you can't do that.
— Mandakini Gahlot (@MandakiniGahlot) October 10, 2018
4. Where there’s evil, there’s some good as well.
A guy that I had seen in the conference came up to me and told me he had seen what happened, and if i wanted to complain, he would be willing to support me. We spent most of that night talking in the hotel bar and ended up dating for four years.
— Mandakini Gahlot (@MandakiniGahlot) October 10, 2018
4. Suhel Seth’s time is truly up.
But it did, I will never forget how I felt while leaving that conference, I felt like everyone was looking at me and judging me. I felt humiliated and powerless. I am telling this story in support of the other brave women who came forward against him, and others. #TimesUp
— Mandakini Gahlot (@MandakiniGahlot) October 10, 2018
While Natashja and Mandakini decided to take on Suhel by revealing their identities, Indian Express reported there was another complainant who reported her experience anonymously. She said,
“He knew my father well, and I had met him in Delhi with my father, who is no more. I went up to him to say Hi…he was sweet at first. The conversation soon shifted to sex and online dating.”
The 31-year-old said that this incident had happened at a popular restaurant and bar.
“Then he put his arm around my waist, which was uncomfortable. He messaged me about his Mumbai plans a few days later and kept inviting me to his room…I didn’t go, it sounded fishy.”
Suhel Seth has been revered as a columnist, a management guru, an actor, a writer and more in various industries. But these allegations show that the reality is far from it. And while Seth is quick to react to matters of national concern, he is yet to respond to these accusations.