'Sex thirst...sugar-coated brothels': Actor Ritabhari's revelations expose Bengali industry
What's the story
Bengali actor Ritabhari Chakraborty has taken to social media to highlight the issue of sexual misconduct in the Bengali film industry.
Drawing parallels with the recent Hema Commission report that exposed casting couch incidents in the Malayalam film industry, Chakraborty urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to initiate a similar investigation.
She also encouraged her fellow female actors to stand against such behavior.
Social media
Chakraborty's Instagram post drew attention to sexual misconduct
In an Instagram post on Monday night, Chakraborty drew attention to the Hema Commission report and questioned why the Bengali film industry is not taking similar steps.
"So many reports that came up are similar to experiences I had or some actress I know did," she said.
"Do we have no responsibility toward the young actresses that come to the business with dreams and are made to believe this is nothing but a sugar-coated brothel," she wrote in her post.
Allegations
Chakraborty called for unmasking of industry predators
Chakraborty accused certain individuals in the industry of abusive behavior and called for their exposure.
"The hero/producer/directors with such filthy mind and behavior continue to work without facing any consequences of their actions."
She also pointed out that many of these individuals were seen participating in protests against a recent rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.
Quote
'Let's unmask these predators,' says Chakraborty
Chakraborty further added, "Let's unmask these predators. I am calling my fellow actresses to stand against these monsters."
"I know you are scared of losing your part...But how long do we stay quiet?"
"No, we don't want another case of rape or assault before we are finally taken seriously...Being in show business does not give the right to any man to look at us as a commodity or their targets to satisfy their thirst for power or sex," she said.
Recent
Chakraborty's post followed Sreelekha Mitra's recent allegations
Chakraborty's post comes in the wake of recent allegations made by senior Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra against a renowned Malayalam director.
Mitra had also urged actors who have faced similar situations to speak up and not remain silent due to fear of power and influence.
Chakraborty, known for her roles in films like Chokher Tara Tui and Once Upon a Time in Kolkata, has now joined the call for action against sexual misconduct in the industry.