Tanushree wasn't expecting Big B's evasive response. Neither were we
What's the story
The Tanushree Dutta episode has blown the lid off Bollywood's hypocritical nature. The film industry, catering to billions is more than happy in making empowering movies for women but chooses silence when taking a stand is necessary. This has pained Tanushree, and rightly so. In an interview, speaking about Amitabh Bachchan, she said she was hurt and pointed out 'they' made movies having social messages.
What he said
Amitabh was asked for a comment, he brushed the question
When Amitabh Bachchan was asked to react on Tanushree's serious sexual harassment charges on Nana Patekar, he gave an admonishing reply. The stalwart said he was neither Nana nor Tanushree and couldn't comment. Mind you, the superstar starred in 'Pink', the movie which taught consent and wrote an empowering letter to Navya Nanda. But when it came to addressing the issue, he stayed mum.
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Evasive statements like these don't make sense, says Tanushree
"These are people who do movies on social causes. They play roles in films and the audience applauds. But when it comes to standing up and doing something about what is happening in front of you, there are these evasive statements that don't make sense," she said.
Silence
Silence when things get serious isn't an option
Big B's silence is problematic and it only shows Bollywood doesn't even want to acknowledge the issue which is eating it up. When stalwarts like him fail to speak, a safe environment where survivors feel comfortable becomes a distant dream. His defenders may argue it's Big B's choice to stay silent, but when millions look up to you, you can't be keep quiet. Sorry, Sir. That's not an option.
Twitter Post
Even Farhan understands why silence should be broken. Take note!
Have often heard that art and sport should be beyond politics. I absolutely agree that it should.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 1, 2018
But ..
It cannot be beyond basic humanity and social concern. That’s where silence of people who can make a difference starts getting toxic.
Break
Exhausted after recent incident, Tanushree goes on a break
One can never appreciate Tanushree enough for the courage she has shown. About the support she got from some Bollywood stars, she said, "What's fantastic by itself is that people are coming out in support, which wasn't there before." But being the torchbearer of #MeToo has been taxing. In a statement, she revealed her throat is swollen, and she is unwell because of the exhaustion.
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Tanushree vows to come back and fight the 'war'
"I'm resting to regain some strength while some other developments take place in the background. I will be back in a few days and join the fight again. This is not just a news story anymore my friends," she said.