The film industry is constantly under the spotlight for various reasons, and currently, the Malayalam cinema has been embroiled in significant allegations against a few of its actors. Following the release of the Hema Committee report, serious revelations regarding casting couch practices and sexual harassment against women have surfaced in the Malayalam film industry. A number of high-profile individuals have been implicated, creating an even bigger stir. Not just actors, but filmmakers and directors have also faced allegations, reflecting a systemic issue in the industry.
This isn’t the first time the film sector has witnessed such claims. Several actors have faced allegations of sexual harassment before. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in the U.S. in 2017, reached India in 2018, resulting in numerous Bollywood actresses accusing prominent individuals in the industry of sexual misconduct.
Notable Figures Accused of Sexual Harassment
Nana Patekar
Nana Patekar, a veteran actor known for films like ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Tiranga’, ‘Welcome’, and ‘Natsamrat’, faced serious allegations during the #MeToo movement. On December 25, 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta, who was crowned Miss India Universe in 2004, accused him of sexual harassment. She claimed that during the shooting of the 2008 film ‘Horn Ok Please’, Nana behaved inappropriately with her. Nana, however, vehemently denied the accusations.
Alok Nath
Famed for playing ‘sanskari’ roles in films such as ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’, ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’, and ‘Gandhi’, Alok Nath has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, including writer and producer Vinta Nanda, and actresses Sandhya Mridul and Deepika Amin. With four allegations against him, Alok maintained that the claims were efforts to tarnish his reputation.
Sajid Khan
Director Sajid Khan, known for films like ‘Hey Baby’ and the ‘Housefull’ franchise, has also faced severe accusations. Three women, including journalist Karishma Upadhyay and actresses Saloni Chopra and Rachel White, have come forward alleging sexual harassment. Sajid has denied these allegations, labeling them as falsehoods.
Kailash Kher
Renowned singer and music composer Kailash Kher, who has won multiple Filmfare Awards, was accused of harassment by female photojournalist Natasha Homrajani. Following this, singer Sona Mohapatra also made similar allegations against him. Kailash responded by stating that he did not intend any wrongdoing and offered an apology if his actions adversely affected Natasha.
Rajat Kapoor
Actor Rajat Kapoor’s name came into the fray during the #MeToo movement when a female journalist accused him of making inappropriate remarks during a telephone interview. He later issued an apology, clarifying that it wasn’t his intention to offend.
Conclusion
The #MeToo movement has shed light on the troubling reality of sexual harassment in the film industry. While allegations have surfaced against multiple prominent figures, it is vital for the industry to address these issues comprehensively. As the conversation continues, the hope remains for a safer and more respectful environment for all individuals within the cinematic realm.
