I am being harassed in my own home: Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta breaks down in disturbing video
The former Bollywood actor, known for sparking India's #MeToo movement, opened up about her ongoing struggles, revealing the toll it has taken on her mental and physical health.
In the emotional video, she shared, 'I'm sick and tired of this harassment!! It's been going on since 2018,' and expressed her frustration by saying, 'Please someone help me. I was so fed up today that I finally called the local police.' She explained that she had contacted the police after loud, unexplained banging noises continued outside her apartment, something that has been happening for years. 'Since 2020, I've heard loud banging above my roof and outside my door at odd hours,' she added, revealing the impact it's had on her.
Dutta opened up about the emotional toll the harassment has taken on her, noting that she now lives alone and struggles to trust anyone, not even domestic staff. 'I've had maids planted in my home. They've stolen from me. Now I do all the work myself. I'm sick, my house is a mess, I can't function,' she said.
However, her struggle isn't a new one.
In 2018, Dutta alleged that actor Nana Patekar had sexually harassed her. She alleged that Patekar made unwanted advances on the sets of Horn Ok Pleassss in 2008 during a dance sequence. What followed, she claims, was a coordinated smear campaign to discredit her, including being labeled a 'tantrum queen.'
Her bravery in this public stand helped ignite India's #MeToo movement, mirroring the impact of similar movements in Hollywood.
In addition to Patekar, Dutta also came forward with allegations of mistreatment from filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri during the filming of Chocolate (2005). In an interview with journalist Faridoon Shahryar, Dutta revealed how Agnihotri would call her to the set on days when she wasn't shooting. She would spend entire days sitting idle, unable to even sit in her vanity. 'Take your clothes off and dance in front of him,' Agnihotri allegedly told her, referring to a scene she wasn't even initially a part of.
Her latest video has garnered widespread attention and support from her followers while some have expressed grave concern for her mental wellbeing and echoed her calls for her justice. She says she will soon file a formal complaint at the police station and has hinted that there is more yet to be revealed.
Despite the years of pain, Dutta's voice remains one of the most significant in the Indian #MeToo movement.
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