We have taken a stand not to work with sexual offenders: Bollywood filmmakers

11 Bolly filmmakers including Zoya Akhtar, Nandita Das, Gauri Shinde have urged their peers to follow suit

14 Oct, 2018

In light of the MeTooIndia movement, 11 prominent filmmakers from Bollywood have pledged not to work with proven sexual offenders.

A note posted on Twitter, stated, "As women and filmmakers, we come together to support the MeTooIndia movement. We are in complete solidarity with the women who have come forward with honest accounts of sexual harassment and assault."

It continued, "We are here to spread awareness to help create a safe and equal atmosphere for all in the workplace. We have also taken a stand not to work with proven offenders. We urge all our peers in the industry to do the same."

The note was signed by 11 women including Zoya Akhtar, Nandita Das, Kiran Rao, Konkona Sen Sharma, Gauri Shinde, Shonali bose.

So far only a handful of Bolly male actors have taken a firm stand against accused offenders. Akshay Kumar asked to put a halt to the Housefull 4 production after allegations against the film's director Sajid Khan made headlines, he posted on Twitter saying, "I will not work with any proven offenders." Following the claims, Khan stepped down from his position. According to reports, Nana Patekar has also stepped down from his role in the film.

Hrithik Roshan, whose next is a Vikas Bahl directorial Super 30, tweeted that "it is impossible for me to work with any person if he/she is guilty of such grave conduct," when sexual allegations against the director surfaced.

Aamir Khan wasn't far behind. He and his wife dropped out of the Mogul project. They announced that they will no longer be producing the biopic due to the attempted rape charges against the film's director Subhash Kapoor.

India's MeToo movement has taken the country by storm as more and more sexual harassment claims in the workplace come to the fore -- especially in the entertainment industry.

Comments

Vijay Salem Oct 14, 2018 04:02pm

"Me too " is gaining momentum in South India too.Well known lyricist vairamuthu,well known in Tamil film industry is the latest expose.Shocking to see the so called celebrities,have low moral values.

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Changez Khan Oct 14, 2018 07:24pm

If Bollywood have pledged not to work with proven sexual offenders then they have nobody left to work with.

maqbool Oct 14, 2018 07:39pm

"not to work with proven offenders" - then there is no person to work with in bollywood.

Sumira Oct 14, 2018 08:36pm

Power to women. Women stand with women. That’s the best way to support each other

Vijay B. Oct 15, 2018 01:59am

I assunme the same things happen in the Pakistan film industry and in other businesses too. the Pakistani women should take a cue from their Indian counter parts, join hands and stand up against sexual misconduct in the film industry and all places of business as well. Women have a right to work in their chosen professions without molestation or harassment.

Truth Oct 15, 2018 02:23am

Really? Isn't that logical? 'It's like saying 'we will not work for any company that does not pay our salary'? Should anyone expect anything other than the obvious??

Jag Oct 15, 2018 03:32am

There must be so much pain, shame and anguish hidden in millions of women due to sexual predators. It is very hard and yet brave of these women to expose such deviants.

Mitzvah Kehimkar, Beersheba, Israel Oct 15, 2018 06:53am

Proven offenders? Who has proven them? All of Bollywood and the khans are offenders.

mady Oct 15, 2018 11:53am

Solidarity for good. Baddies should know that bad karma can ruin your career.

Ankur Oct 17, 2018 07:53am

What an irony! Nandita Das's father has been accused now. Must have been shocking for her, talking about sexual predators so defiantly and then realize her father is one of them.