#TheyToo

Reputations turned to dust as the #MeToo firestorm enveloped the arts, media and entertainment worlds

- Shweta Punj

After emboldening women across the world to come out with their stories of sexual harassment, the #MeToo movement found its inevitable spark in India too. On October 3, copywriter Mahima Kukreja questioned comedian Utsav Chakraborty’s ‘woke’ feminist ways and went on to expose his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Less than 24 hours later, the #MeToo storm had engulfed social media, with more women sharing what they have endured at the workplace. Some openly shared their accounts of physical and emotional abuse; others contributed anonymous accounts and allegations.

Kukreja wasn’t even the first to light the fire. A week before, actor Tanushree Dutta had revealed the dirty picture of Bollywood when she revisited the ordeal she had suffered on the sets of Horn OK Pleassss a decade ago. Dutta accused veteran filmstar Nana Patekar of harassing her during a song shoot, reminding people that the industry had its own share of Harvey Weinsteins to deal with. Patekar, who quit Housefull 4 after the allegations, is embroiled in a legal tussle with Dutta. Banished from the industry for challenging the status quo and standing up for dignity, Dutta’s TV interview on her return from the United States found a new lease of life on social media.