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Victims of sexual harassment should speak up without fear: Farhan Akhtar

Victims of sexual harassment should speak up without fear: Farhan Akhtar

In the wake of Hollywood's sexual allegations, the Bollywood actor weighs in on reporting harassment
17 Nov, 2017

If only it were that easy.

Hollywood's out-pour of sexual allegations have triggered mass debate worldwide and Bollywood is not far behind. Speaking on victims of sexual assault, Farhan Akhtar said that there should be no fear when speaking up or reporting the heinous crime.

"I've heard of people talking about issues with the casting couch. But I don't know anybody personally to whom it [harassment] has happened that I can encourage to speak up. Or the other thing, [it] hasn't happened to me," he said.

"But, whoever has something to share of this magnitude — if they've been taken advantage of or exploited — it's up to them to decide whether they want to speak up or not. I can't force anybody. But at the end of the day, if they feel it's time, then they should without any fear," added the actor.

Also read: Farhan Akhtar calls media discriminatory towards Hrithik Roshan in open letter

Farhan, who is also the founder of Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD) Foundation, penned an open letter to Kangana Ranaut last month refuting her claims against Hrithik Roshan stating that she had not presented "any evidence to back the claims" against the Krrish star. He further wrote, "Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between 'most' and 'all'."

Many from the Bolly fraternity shared his sentiments while others disagreed with him. However, Farhan is not fazed by others' opinions.

"Some people will agree with you, some won't. That's a given. But I felt that it was important for me to say what I had to say, and people can take whatever they want from it. I'm just here to put my opinion out there, [and] not to get into an argument with anyone."

Comments

M. Emad Nov 17, 2017 06:51pm
About 70% Pakistani working women are the victims of sexual harassment at work place.
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gullu Badsha Nov 18, 2017 01:06am
@M. Emad, are you one of them ? By the way where did you get these figures from.
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Farland Nov 18, 2017 03:51am
@M. Emad , this is global not just in Pakistan.
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A thinker Nov 18, 2017 11:41am
@M. Emad And at home and in their community. It's not only women but young girls and boys as well. It's a curse in our society.
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