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The world, as we speak, is reading about powerful men of the likes of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, and turning in disgust over the shared history of sexual abuse and harassment. Which brings me to the inevitable fact that sexual abuse is rampant in the showbiz.
But while Hollywood, at least now, is naming and shaming perverse patrons who have exploited men and women alike, Bollywood is comparatively tight-lipped and overtly fraternising, to be honest. But there is always a first and Swara Bhasker is willing to take one for the team.
In a recent interview with Mumbai Mirror, Swara Bhasker has opened up about the perils of working in an infested industry and it makes sense. Talking about the work dynamics, she said,
“The way a film set operates is often feudal and always hierarchical, where some people give instructions and others execute them.
Conditions at the workplace are ripe for sexual harassment, more so because victims can be easily silenced.”
When asked about the reason for the faint and feeble voice to oppose these powerful forces, Swara confirms it is the vulnerability that makes it difficult. She even cited a recent example and we couldn’t agree more.
“See how Mallika Dua was trolled on Twitter by random people. Bollywood is not conducive to an honest conversation about sexual misconduct.”
Not only that. The ‘Veere Di Wedding’ actress also shared her ordeal of sexual misconduct. Recalling an episode from a shoot, she said,
“During a 56-day outdoor at a remote location, when I was still fairly new, the director harassed me with texts and dinner invites. He stalked me during the day and called me through the night. I was asked to go to his hotel room on the pretext of discussing the scene and would find him drinking. During the first week itself, he started talking about love and sex and one night, arrived in my room, drunk, and asked to be hugged. It was scary!
I was young and alone. I would switch off the lights after pack-up and remove my make up in the dark so he would think I was asleep and stop calling me. I told him I wouldn’t be able to act if this continued. He acted hurt and said I had misunderstood him. He stayed away for two weeks, then he was back to his tricks. I finally confided in the executive producer and made sure that I was escorted everywhere.”
She even added that there have been numerous instances where she has been cat-called and eve-teased on the sets.
But before concluding Swara insisted that it is a choice one has to make. And while it is not always easy, there is only way to deal with sexual harassment at workplace-
“Lose the part but don’t get on the couch.”
And that’s Swara Bhasker for you ladies and gentlemen, bold and brazen. Thank you for being the inspiration you are, Swara. Keep the spirit glowing!
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