'Criminals have their bhais, messiahs and patrons': Tanushree Dutta

Interview/ Tanushree Dutta, actor

Q/ What do you think about the Hema Committee report?

A/ The sheer size of the report is impressive and it seems like a thorough, groundbreaking assessment of how bad the situation really is. I was initially uncertain about it because I thought it would be like the Vishaka Guidelines, which lost steam over the years. But, I have corrected my opinion after learning more. I didn’t know much about the Malayalam industry... so maybe reports like this are, after all, necessary.

Q/ Tell us about the power dynamics during the making of a film and how actresses tread the path?

A/ The problem of ‘casting couch’ is not that bad in Bollywood. Because it is more like camps in Bollywood that actresses join to get opportunities. Then what favours they need to do is another topic and I would not know because nobody took me in their camp. Rank newcomers have it toughest, but  I think actresses in the A-plus, A and A-minus categories, at least, escape such transactions.

Misbehaviour and misdemeanour tales are a dime a dozen. There are a few uncivilised men in Bollywood who make the whole filmmaking experience a nightmare for girls who are outsiders. That I have personally seen and experienced. The only way is to avoid working with such people. So, better to do research on people you work with and get industry gossip on threads like Reddit and Quora. But, you may still get stuck with wrong people because they wear masks; you don’t know who is a psychopathic molester or abuser.

Q/ Please share your experiences of working in the Hindi cinema industry, from the perspective of safety and security.

A/ I didn’t have much of an issue with safety till the Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss incident, where goons were called on set to vandalise my car at the behest of an actor whose advances I rejected. In the last few years, after the #MeToo movement, I have been targetted by hired goons, damaging my psyche and health. All manner of mishaps have happened to me. All this was clearly done by Nana Patekar in retaliation and revenge.

Prior to this obsessive, vengeful psycho Nana Patekar making my life hell on a daily basis, I only had a few minor altercations with a few unruly, ill-mannered, rogue-type men. They are easily manageable if you are strict and assertive. They are the majority and they leave you alone once you tell them to back off. But, the diabolical, vicious and manipulative ones, like Nana Patekar and a few others, plot and plan your downfall, including causing physical harm.

Q/ What are the systemic changes that could make a real difference?

A/ Had the government taken concrete actions against criminals in Bollywood after #MeToo in 2018, or generally, I am sure other, more heinous stuff would not have happened. Because Bollywood inspires people. So, it is obvious where the action should start. Criminals in Bollywood are out on bail and are thick as thieves with #MeToo accused. The women who complained are facing several issues after the #MeToo movement.

Q/ Do you feel female actors need to come out in support, as one unit?

A/ Of course, women in general need to have each other’s back. Also, good and clean men in the corridors of power need to side with those fighting for justice and safety.

I have noticed that good people have no unity, but bad people and criminals [stick together] during crises. Good people are too busy avoiding scandal and conflict, while the souls of survivors and change-makers burn with indignation, fear, anger, and sadness for being left out there to fend for themselves against all odds. Then, I don’t think anybody can call themselves good; if they don’t do anything to help and just watch the toxic drama unfold and continue to damage those few who dare to protest and refuse such evil practices.

The evil criminals have their bhais, messiahs and patrons to protect them and keep them in circulation, but the victims and survivors have no allies. A warrior is fighting not just for herself, but the next generation, too, and you do not help or provide for her in some way. How many movements are needed to see that some of these men are mentally unstable, sick and totally devoid of remorse, like psychopaths.