#MeToo movement gathers force in India
More women recounted their experiences of sexual harassment in the entertainment and media industry, as the #MeToo storm intensified on Monday. The movement resulted in an apology by actor Rajat Kapoor for his alleged misconduct and AIB facing uncertainty after two members distanced themselves from the comedy group under a cloud.
Newer names cropped up on social media as more women exposed those who had allegedly harassed them over the years.
Anger at molestation and sexual abuse never goes away, noted Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi.
‘Very happy’ that the #MeToo campaign had started in India and encouraged women to come forward to complain against sexual harassment, she told reporters in Delhi.
Among the film actors, Hrithik Roshan broke his silence on the allegations of molestation by a junior employee of Phantom Films against the director.
"It is impossible for me to work with any person if he/she is guilty of such grave misconduct. I am away and have access to only sporadic information. I have requested the producers of 'Super 30' to take stock of the apparent facts and take a harsh stand if need be”, he said.
"This is not to be hushed or brushed under the carpet. All proven offenders must be punished and all exploited people must be empowered and given strength to speak up," Roshan said in a Twitter statement.
Popular for its 'roasts' and satires, AIB could face a similar future, said its HR head Vidhi Jotwani.
Gursimran Khamba has been directly accused of sexual misconduct, while Tanmay Bhat came under attack for his inaction in complaints against fellow writer-comedian Utsav Chakraborty.
While Khamba issued a separate statement denying "any violation of consent", Jotwani said the comic will be on leave till the company has more clarity on the matter.
Actor Nana Patekar on Monday appeared before the media and denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by actor Tanushree Dutta during the shoot of "Horn Ok Pleassss" in 2008.
"I said this 10 years ago too. What was true then remains true today. My legal team has asked me not to speak. Otherwise, why will I not speak to you guys?" he said.
In an application submitted before the Mumbai Police, the producer of "Horn Ok Pleassss” said no molestation took place as alleged by Dutta.
The Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) said it is ready to readdress Dutta's allegation against Patekar "by conducting a fair and expeditious" inquiry, provided she wants to take it forward.
Media houses were called up by the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) in Delhi, for the establishment of institutional mechanisms for complaints of sexual harassment.
"The fact that many of the complaints have gone unheard despite being brought to the notice of the appropriate authorities is disturbing and a matter of grave concern," said IWPC president TK Rajalakshmi in a statement.
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