Fatima Sana Shaikh On Sexual Misconduct In Bollywood: ‘Things Have Changed After Me Too'
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Fatima Sana Shaikh opens up about sexual misconduct, blurred lines of intimacy and power, and the impact of the Me Too movement in Bollywood.
Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her powerful performances in films like Dangal, Ludo, Thugs of Hindostan, and Sam Bahadur, recently opened up about the casting couch, sexual misconduct, and shifting power dynamics in Bollywood. Speaking to Humans of Bombay, the actress shared how the post-Me Too landscape has brought about change—but also how much further the industry still needs to go.
When asked why she's among the few Bollywood stars to speak openly about these issues, Fatima acknowledged that the culture has started to shift in the right direction. 'I think things have changed. People are much more accountable. They are a little more fearful," she said.
She highlighted that many film sets today have mechanisms in place to deal with misconduct. 'There is a conversation. There is an investigation… it exists in every industry," she added, pointing out that complaints are taken more seriously than before.
Delving deeper into the nuanced reality of misconduct, Fatima shed light on the grey areas that often go unnoticed, especially when personal and professional boundaries blur. 'You are working with someone, you have become intimate. But then you don't understand, the lines are blurred. Then there is the dynamic of the power," she explained.
She also touched on how accountability is now a part of the equation. 'Because it is a male-dominant industry. And now, after Me Too, women can talk about it… You will be held accountable," she said.
Addressing her personal experience, Fatima clarified that while she has faced uncomfortable situations, she has never been a victim of outright sexual misconduct within Bollywood. 'It's not like the industry is bad. Any incident that has happened, it's just been this one little, small-time somebody and some conversation," she remarked.
Fatima also drew attention to the fact that such issues are not limited to the entertainment industry. In fact, she believes they may be worse in the corporate world. 'Corporate is life when you are together. So there, it's even more rampant… and even more toxic," she stated.
She praised OTT platforms like Amazon and Netflix for enforcing strict guidelines to protect cast and crew. 'Somebody will come from this agency… you will have a meeting with the cast, crew, and all the HODs. You will be told what your rights are, what is appropriate, what is not," Fatima explained, referring to the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) sessions that are now mandatory during shoots.
In closing, Fatima said she sees hope in the steps being taken to ensure accountability across industries. 'People are being held accountable for their actions — not only in our industry, but in corporate and beyond. And that is what progress looks like," she concluded.
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