‘Whatever Action Has Been Taken Is A Beginning'

She is bold, independent, and not afraid to speak her mind. Actor Rachel White speaks to Hemchhaya De about the #MeToo movement, and how it changed her life

- Hemchhaya De

She made headlines when she accused director Sajid Khan of sexual harassment, and is fighting her cause since. Actor Rachel White, who divides her time between Mumbai and Kolkata, remains one of the most prominent faces of the #MeToo movement in India. She spoke up fiercely against the alleged harassment she faced, when Khan invited her for a ‘role’ in his film. White put forth painstaking details about how he asked her to seduce him in order to bag the part, and the subsequent humiliation which prompted her to leave. In between shoot schedules, the feisty actor spoke to Femina on coping with the trying times.

What led you to become an actor?

I started modelling to earn extra pocket money. I wasn’t planning to become a model or an actor, but amidst modelling assignments, a few good film offers came my way. I started learning the nitty-gritties of the profession, and realised that acting could be my calling.

Did your family support your decision?

My family isn’t remotely connected to the film industry. So it was difficult for them to support me; they didn’t oppose the idea either. My parents have never interfered with my decisions. They trusted the fact that I know where to draw the line.

“My family isn’t connected to the film industry. So it was difficult for them to support me; they didn’t oppose the idea either. They trusted the fact that I know where to draw the line.”

How did your journey in films kick-start?