November 21, 2024

When Tanushree Dutta chose to disclose the name of the person who harassed her on the sets of the movie “Horn OK Pleasss” 10 years ago, some people questioned her intentions for raising the issue after so many years. But it now transpires that Tanushree had in fact raised the issue immediately in the appropriate forum. The Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) has come out with an apology saying that the then committee was in the wrong for not having taken prompt action against her report of sexual harassment.

But should time be an issue in reporting such incidents? Sometimes, the perpetrator is a big shot, like in this case Nana Patekar is, and the victim cannot be expected to immediately have the courage needed to report against him. At other times, the victim is pressurized – socially and politically – not to report. Even if it takes more than 10 years, events such as these must be reported. It will help to restore the dignity of the victim, lessening the trauma and also help in exposing lecherous males who would otherwise keep harassing victim after victim without fear.

There is no reason to disbelieve Tanushree. She has nothing to gain by maligning Nana Patekar. She had suffered at his hands and she wants to make sure that he does not go unpunished for that. By all accounts, despite being a great actor, Nana Patekar is not a great human being. Even Dimple Kapadia has attested to that. It is heartening that Tanushree is receiving good support among the film and TV fraternity. CINTAA must ensure that the case is investigated and the Mumbai police must take cognizance of the issue.