Who will be named this morning? That’s the dreaded question that Bollywood’s biggest names are waking up to. Rumour has it that a top superstar has paid in lakhs and lakhs to ensure no one comes forward with any allegation against him. “There is no guarantee that I won’t be named, although I’ve never intentionally or unintentionally insulted any woman in my life. But how do I know how this works? Maybe something I said 15-20 years ago would be regarded as sexual harassment,” says a producer-director with a spotless image.
A prolific director says, “To be honest, the entire entertainment industry is shaken just now. We have ceased to hold any sort of interaction or even basic communication with women who are not on our speed-dial list, namely our mothers, wives, daughters and business managers. The other day I met a young digital executive who said he was exploring job prospects outside India in case he loses his job overnight.”
Ashoke says there is the other unquestionably genuine side to the Me Too movement. “People like Sajid Khan are known offenders. The four brave women who have come forward to speak to us at the FWICE have made horrific revelations about Sajid Khan’s predatory ways. We’ve asked him to come forward and explain his behaviour. Not surprisingly he is quiet. And we will proceed with disciplinary action against him.”
Actress-activist Tapsee Pannu who has been appointed a member of the CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes Association) says, women need to exercise a sense of responsibility while making the allegations. “The guidelines for levelling charges are being laid down. Since I haven’t been in Mumbai for quite some time the other members of the Association will have more clarity on the issue. I am sure the Association would’ve figured something out on this. With great power comes great responsibility too and I hope women understand that.”
