While talking about the impact of the #MeToo movement on Bollywood, Tanushree Dutta reminded everyone about how the industry was silent when Nana Patekar had harassed her. And the surprising thing is that, despite Janice Sequeira backing her allegations, Bollywood isn’t just silent. They’re acting ignorant. Exhibit A was Amitabh Bachchan and exhibit B is Salman Khan.
During a recent press meet for the MTB Arunachal Race, Salman Khan was requested to comment on the allegations by Tanushree Dutta. And his response was quite disappointing.
Salman Khan attended an event today and was questioned about Tanushree’s allegations. See what happened after my questions. #TanushreeDutta #NanaPatekar #SalmanKhan @rahulkanwal @sahiljoshii @PadmajaJoshi @kamleshsutar @gauravcsawant @swapniljourno @ashu3page @mausamii2u pic.twitter.com/tWRC0KHt6J
— Shivangi Thakur (@thakur_shivangi) September 27, 2018
As you can see, Salman seemed to be annoyed that he was asked the question at all. And instead of giving Tanushree the benefit of the doubt, he went for the textbook response of “let’s see what happens”. However, the worst part was that the actor went onto crack a joke about it so that he can avoid any further questions on the issue.
Another angle of the same exchange between reporter Shivangi Thakur and Salman showed Union Minister of State for Home Affairs of India, Kiren Rijiju smirking when the question was asked.
https://twitter.com/WeirdlyProbable/status/1045515384504209408
Some time ago, Kiren Rijiju had proudly professed that he’s an upholder of women’s rights. Going by his reaction to such a sensitive topic, he might’ve forgotten all about it.
Netizens were angered by Salman Khan’s lazy response and were glad that the reporter didn’t let him go easily.
1. It’s disturbing.
Dear @KirenRijiju. Am unable to understand your mirth on the question of allegations of sexual harassment. As a cabinet minister, perhaps you may wish to explain why you were grinning from ear to ear when Salman was trying to bully the woman reporter? https://t.co/V5GR3XUIrP
— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) September 28, 2018
2. Things are normalised over here.
This is Bollywood's version of #MeToo Here, stars and politicians join each other to back Nana Patekar, crack jokes and appear spineless. https://t.co/pfmrBkVX5h
— Kunal Purohit (@kunalpurohit) September 28, 2018
3. And we must start asking ‘why?’
All big names of Bollywood are silent on this. Others trying to prove her a liar. And these 'stars' are faces of many social campaigns!! https://t.co/4IqUbLdaSv
— Kadambini Sharma (@SharmaKadambini) September 28, 2018
4. Amen to that.
To them, questions must be scripted and answers optional. No sorry! We do not live by your answers and agenda. We live by our questions. @thakur_shivangi 🙋 https://t.co/2zmWe9VBxN
— Prerna Koul Mishra (@prernakaul) September 28, 2018
5. She stood her ground and how.
What a befitting reply @thakur_shivangi. Tough/Real questions are never comfortable. I love how he could not intimidate you. Congratulations!!!! https://t.co/EQV6hsmsT2
— Parvina Purkayastha (@Parv05) September 28, 2018
6. That tag should be retired now.
https://twitter.com/imadwivedi/status/1045526671426809856
7. The question was absolutely right. It’s just that the answer was wrong.
@thakur_shivangi this was a correct question to be asked & being a top actor,influencer on film industry he should have given the answer on #TanushreeDutta, #NanaPatekar matter.But this is hippocracy of big film stars,they dont want to be responsible,same Mr. #AmitabhBachchan did https://t.co/2fK5UGheki
— Dr.Deepa Sharma (@deepadoc) September 28, 2018
8. Good journalism should be lauded.
Keep the flag of journalism furling high. Proud of u @thakur_shivangi ….I take a bow. Watch this carefully how my colleague is told to maintain dignity of the occasion when she asked about #TanushreeDutta #NanaPatekar Bollywood dripping of hypocrisy… Ugliness exposed.v https://t.co/zmCBUnv4j3
— Mausami Singh/मौसमी लखनवी (@mausamii2u) September 28, 2018
9. Everyone probably knows the answer to that.
Why was Salman Khan annoyed that a question was even asked? https://t.co/0tWo30jxMr
— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) September 28, 2018
10. They’re always revered as role models. Time to rethink that.
I have never been more sickened by India's cowardly film industry. Requires serious introspection as to the models we have for our kids https://t.co/poAwNzlZeC
— Jeanette Rodrigues (@Darkwyr) September 28, 2018
11. Big lines for big movies.
I applaud you for asking this question to someone who's a bollywood biggy.
All the time these superstars chest-thump, howl on women empowerment but on allegations of sexual assault the same people are tight lipped.
This is the hypocrisy with which they live. https://t.co/pFJcGaQmlH
— Saurav_Kumar (@SauravK1890) September 28, 2018
12. Shes’ doing a great job.
Very proud of my former colleague and friend for asking this. Worth a thousand meaningless exclusive we do everyday. https://t.co/0PXhrGW0Re
— Vimal Kumar/विमल कुमार (@Vimalwa) September 27, 2018
13. So much for dignity.
When a simple question violates the ‘dignity’ of an event. Because an *event’s dignity* must always be protected https://t.co/bCxEpZDaoj
— Padmaja joshi (@PadmajaJoshi) September 27, 2018
14. The issue is related to their industry.
These Bollywood actors don't have spine to comment on anything Shivangi. They just want their films to collect 100 to 200 cr that's it unlike Hollywood actors where they take stand and speak their mind on the ongoing issues. https://t.co/mrX5zwdxYs
— Praveen Singh (@sanie_89) September 28, 2018
15. That’s the only sane explanation.
ये तीसरी दुनिया के लोग है "एलियन" । इनका वास्तविकता से कोई लेना-देना नही है।यह पात्र "काल्पनिक" है। https://t.co/oDhLp7pznD
— Kavita sharma/ कविता शर्मा (@thekavitasharma) September 28, 2018
While Nana Patekar is apparently gearing up to take legal action against Tanushree, she’s garnering support from stars like Farhan Akhtar and Richa Chadda. However, this process shouldn’t be so slow. Bollywood should take a leaf from Hollywood and urge the authorities to take action. And if that’s too tough or too radical, maybe they can just believe the survivors for a change.