Earlier, Dutta had said that if anything happened to her, actor Nana, his legal team and Bollywood Mafia friends' were to be held responsible. Now, in a recent interview, the actress, claimed that several attempts were made to take her life after she became vocal about her ordeal.
During the interview with Connect FM Canada, the Aashiq Banaya Aapne actress said that the brakes of her car were tampered several times, when she was in Ujjain.
"I met with an accident and it was a very bad accident. I was just short of breaking some bones. It set me back for a couple of months, and it took me time to heal from those injuries as there was a lot of blood loss," Dutta was quoted as saying.
Further, she also said that someone even tried to poison her. As per Dutta, a maid was planted at her house after which she gradually fell sick. "It is my suspicion that there was something being mixed in my water," she added.
Dutta rose to fame after she was crowned the Femina Miss India Universe title winner in 2004. Following that, she stepped into the glamorous industry with Aashiq Banaya Aapne in 2005. In her film career spanning over five years, she has acted in over 13 films.
Later, she became the crusader of the 'Me Too' movement levelling several allegations against some renowned figures of Bollywood.
The actress took to her Instagram to share a picture of herself with a long note that spoke about how she has been earlier subjected to health problems and work sabotage.
She started her note with a direct revelation of the threat, "I'm being harassed & targeted very badly. Please someone do something."
She spoke about a maid that was planted in her house to mess up her health, "First it was my bollywood work being sabotaged last one year, then a maid was planted to douse my drinking water with medications & steroids which caused all kinds of severe health problems, then when I escaped to Ujjain in May my vehicle brakes tampered twice & accident."
Nevertheless, the actress survived the accident and returned to Mumbai to resume work. "I barely escaped death & returned Mumbai after 40 days to resume normal life & work. Now strange disgusting stuff in my building outside my flat," she wrote in her note.
Giving an assurance that she would firmly stand her ground and won't bow down to the pressure, she wrote, "I'm not going to commit suicide for sure yeh kaan kholkar sun lo sab log!! Nor am I leaving & going anywhere. I'm here to stay & resurrect my public career to greater heights than ever before!"
Tanushree also targeted 'Bollywood mafia' and 'Maharashtra political circuit', in her post. "The Bollywood Mafia, the old political circuit of Maharashtra (which still has influence here) and nefarious anti-national criminal elements together usually operate like this to trouble people," she said.
She further mentioned, "I'm very sure the #metoo culprits & the NGO who I exposed are behind all this because why else would I be targeted & harassed like this? Shame on you all! Shame on you! I know a lot of people will try to dismiss me but I've been posting updates on Insta for a long time. It's severe mental, physical & psychological harassment. What kind of place is this where young boys & girls can just be harassed and killed for standing against injustice?"
The actress called for a President's rule in Maharashtra and for the central government to take over the total control of the state. "I wish Presidents rule & military rule to be established in Maharashtra & Central govt exerting total controle over ground level matters too. Things are really going out of hand here. Regular folks like me are suffering. Something drastic has to happen here. Today it's me tomorrow it can be you also (sic)," she wrote.
She also blamed the law and order of the city. "I will deepen my spiritual sadhana more despite all this & strengthen my spirit furthur. I also really want to focus on the new business/ work opportunities I'm getting and start fresh in life," she said.
"No law and order in this city anymore! Used to be a safe haven always for artists & single Women. Hey Krishna! Brother help me," her note concluded.
Tanushree had earlier spoken up against senior actor Nana Patekar's sexual misconduct on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss'. She had spoken about how Nana Patekar harassed her during a song shoot of the film.
Anyone questioning her as to why did she time her allegations after 10 years of the incident, her answer should be “why not?” For an actor-model who despite having 30 to 40 offers in 2008, chose to step away from the industry was definitely not a flimsy issue. There was more to the threats and aftermath of she walking away from the sets of ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’ and industry, than meets the eye. Neither should any sane person feel her opening up as an indication to come back to the industry when she is perched comfortably on an alternative career. In any case, choosing the time to speak out about a wrong done to her is absolutely perfect.
The divulging of details in this case has certainly shaken some but given that many actresses are doing a #MeToo and #IBelieveYou, it would certainly ring an alarm bell for the predators who move in the industry and outside. It would also rein in those who have gone scot-free after outraging the modesty of many since years. Why else was #MeToo a success in the West even though the allegations leveled against Harvey Weinstein happened years back. It needs one bold voice to shake others from their self-guilt of keeping shut for the fear of retribution or being tagged as a ‘slut.’ Like the #MeToo aiming at empowerment through empathy, a Tanushree Dutta must have given many others strength to speak out and it has. Even Japan is witnessing a WeToo campaign on the same issue of women speaking out against sexual abuse and harassment.
I feel we should also start something called 'Me Too India' in which any woman who has been harassed at any point should write to us&we should investigate. For the first time NCW is going into every case complained to us&we go in detail: Union Min Maneka Gandhi #TanushreeDutta pic.twitter.com/iCcleMc4ew
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018
The string of allegations against Utsav Chakraborty, then a member of comic group All India Bakchod (AIB), of sending a woman objectionable photos and messages, is just the beginning. But since the allegations were backed by several others, AIB issued an apology and announced that Chakraborty was no longer a part of AIB.
Also Read: Ranveer & Deepika Marriage: Duo Answers On November Wedding
#WATCH:I don't know anything about this case. This was ten years back, I was a kid back then: Shakti Kapoor on #TanushreeDutta's harassment allegations against Nana Patekar. (2/10/2018) pic.twitter.com/FxD7LHL6MM
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018
How about the latest accusations against Brett Kavanaugh that triggered a hashtag movement across the world last week with none other than Donald Trump talking in support of the accused? Still, Tuesday night, Trump said “Women who come forward against powerful men can be mocked and disregarded. Their pain is not important in the face of a powerful man’s ambition. This is what will happen when they tell their stories,” reported Vox.
The so called who’s who of Bollywood fraternity made the issue similarly murkier by issuing weird statements - hopefully they are not doing a Trump.
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Our own media houses like CNN News18, Times Now and the Quint have already exposed the real faces of many in question in this particular matter. Samee Siddiqui, the producer of ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’, in a sting operation was heard and seen saying “I feel that day she (Tanushree) was on her periods which is why she reacted to a mild touch.” Sick! Isn’t it? And the director Rakesh Sarang stated it all as false!
Here's a tweet of TIMES NOW on what Samee Siddiqui said:
I feel that day she was on her periods: Samee Siddiqui, Producer of film Horn Ok Please. WATCH Sting tape number 4
#TanushreeVsBollywood pic.twitter.com/2hTBgkGPMQ
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 4, 2018
Listen to what director Rakesh Sarang said to CNN News18 on the allegations leveled by Tanushree:
#SpeakUpForTanushree – Tanushree Dutta’s claims are false: Rakesh Sarang, director of Horn Ok Pleassss pic.twitter.com/2oIY6LG1xS
— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 4, 2018
Just because Nana Patekar has done some powerful roles and social work doesn’t bail him out of the accusations. The day the incident happened, a video footage was recorded and that has now emerged on social media making it clear as to how Tanushree and her parents were heckled inside a car, their vehicle damaged and tires deflated by goons because she refused to say yes to a sudden inclusion of a close-up scene with Nana. Goons, who Tanushree claims are the same people from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena who have now raised a hue and cry against her accusations.
Here's the viral video of the attack on Tanushree's car posted by ETimes:
https://youtu.be/WFHWihx2rr8
The former head of CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes’ Association) Gajendra Chauhan has also told Times Now recently that he had received a complaint and advised Tanushree to file an FIR. Now what does Annu Kapoor mean by ‘show evidence’? I hope he has not lost sanity to suggest that the victim should start recording her own harassment!
https://youtu.be/oecObmEnfM0
In fact, two other women present there on the sets, a journalist Janice Sequeira and a crew member Shyni Shetty had on the first day corroborated the allegations.
https://twitter.com/janiceseq85/status/1044859767993364483
Janice wrote a thread of tweets after Tanushree opened up about the incident and one of it read, “For anyone who’s either going to be ignoring or downplaying Dutta’s account as a desperate call for attention and question why she didn’t speak out earlier - she did. Interviews by Dutta were followed by a press conference by #NanaPatekar where she was branded ‘unprofessional’. This was a decade ago. It could have possibly been the first instance of a Bollywood actress calling out sexual predators, and her voice was silenced by more powerful men who continued to have flourishing careers. Now she’s found her voice again. Shouldn't we listen?”
True that Tanushree has lost more than gained in this whole episode. But the writing has become clearer - powerful people should stop protecting powerful predators because you are also being watched, talked about. This means #MeToo has made a difference. Recognizing sexual harassment or violence or abuse was long overdue. Its #BelieveSurvivors and #TimesUp.
Karan said women who have come out with their stories of harassment need to be applauded and believed.
"Every woman, who has a voice, has to be respected, applauded for coming out there and it is essential to believe every given voice. You cannot say there's no proof. That is a lame, masculine, stupid thing to say. When a woman comes out, she expresses her heart out, she is right and you believe her," Karan said.
The director was in conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt at We The Women event on Sunday.
Karan said post the #MeToo movement, there is a "huge sense of accountability" that has set in.
"When I read so many of those narratives and stories, they broke my heart. It made me realise we cannot be complicit to this and you have to wake up, smell the coffee and be active about it," he added.
When asked if the heavyweights of the industry did not support the movement enough, the director said everyone did in their own capacity.
"Not everyone has to go online and say it. A lot of people either work silently or out there. It's how you choose to take decisions. Some of our decisions will be made but we don't need to scream and shout about it. A lot of the more evolved minds have taken the required action," he added.
Recently, Priyanka made the startling revelation that she also had to face sexual harassment during her early days in the film industry.
According to ZOOM, "Sexual harassment had become a norm with women. Now, because of the support we are giving each other, people don't have the power to shut us down. And that's an incredibly powerful thing to see," said Priyanka.
"Everybody in this room has probably faced one because it had become a norm with women. We always had a voice. Just nobody heard us. Now if I have a story I don't feel I am alone anymore and I am not ashamed of it," she added.
On the #MeToo Movement, the actress said, "I think people have misunderstood the #MeToo movement if they restrict it only to the film industry. It's not only that such things happen only in film industry. Women get harassed in every job. What I faced had happened long back but that doesn't mean I faced it before or while struggling. It happened with me when I was very young."
Sharing her opinion about discussing on sexual harassment publicly, she reportedly said, "I think people assuming that it's very current and wondering why I am not talking about it..... that's a lot of expectation. Every women in the country has dealt with it and I'm sure not everyone wants to talk about it publicly."
Here is the link of ZOOM, WATCH
On being asked whether she also had a #MeToo story, Shalu admitted that she had gone through similar experiences but she wouldn't complain as she knows how to handle herself, reports India Today.
"Very recently I got an approach from a famous director to sleep with him to get a choice in his new movie with Vijay Deverakonda (sic)," the actress said.
"In case I complain, what is the use? Do you think the opponent party is going to accept it wholeheartedly? Crazy world (sic)," she added.
View this post on Instagram
Shalu, who is a trained dancer, was recently seen in the movie "Mr Local" and also acted in films like Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam.
Before Shalu, many well known personalities of the south film industry had levelled sexual harassment against many leading celebrities; singer Chinmayi, writer Leena Manimekalai, Tess Joseph, and Divya Unni are among them.
The #MeToo movement had gathered steam last year with a number of women speaking about sexual harassment at workplace and outed their alleged tormentors.
Several celebrities including actors Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, author Chetan Bhagat, singer Kailash Kher and Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu are among the few who were called out by their alleged victims.
(With Agency inputs)
Tanushree has opposed the B-Summary report filed by the Oshiwara police station. She was represented by advocate Nitin Satpute at Railway Mobile Court in Andheri here.
"The court has granted her time to file a protest petition against the B-Summary report. Tanushree's legal team was present, but not a single officer from the Oshiwara police station was in the court room at the time of hearing. The case has been adjourned to September 7," Satpute told IANS on Sunday.
In June, Mumbai Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Manjunath Shinge had told IANS: "Yes, we have filed a B-Summary Report before the court."
The police move came after they reportedly did not find enough evidence in the matter, virtually ending the case as they cannot continue further investigations.
Satpute had said that they would challenge the police move in the matter.
The actress had lodged the complaint against Nana in September 2018 accusing him of allegedly sexually harassing her over a decade ago, in 2008 during a shoot, but he had stoutly denied the charges levelled by her.
On Thursday evening, Malik in his open letter on social media claimed that he feels "cornered" and "suffocated". The composer shared that he is going through a "dark phase", is "traumatised" and wants justice.
Responding to Malik in a long Instagram post, Mohapatra suggested that the composer should go for sex-rehab. Countering Malik's charge that her allegations were "false and unverified", the singer said the only truth in the matter was that "many more women" of the music industry had come out to level harassment charges against Malik.
Mohapatra wrote: "The only 'truths' that have surfaced after I called you out last year is that many more women have told their stories of sexual harassment, assault experiences with you. @shwetapandit7 told of her trauma of how you scarred her at a young age of 15. Danica D'Souza, Ex Indian Idol Producer told of how you harassed crew & contestants alike. Caralisa Monteiro spoke up too. Neha Bhasin spoke up a fortnight ago about her own story with you & many more who aren't known did too & in detail. Alisha Chinai corroborated the pattern & spoke her truth too. None of these women are connected or have anything to gain by speaking up about the predatory behaviour of one powerful, rich, perverted man."
The singer also highlighted the effect of his sexual misconduct on the mental health of the victims. She wrote: 'Unverified' allegations you say? These are multiple testimonies of independent sane women speaking coherently & they have a common story. What about the 'mental health' of all these people who have gone through this traumatic experience because of you? Did you care about them over these years? What about the mental health of the good India & all the victims & their families when they see you flaunting yourself on TV & Encouraging others like you?"
Last year, after Mohapatra's allegations first cropped up, Malik had to step down as judge of Sony TV's singing reality show "Indian Idol" Season 10. The controversy was reignited this year when the channel invited him back and Malik resumed his position as judge on Season 11 of the show.
Sona claimed that the composer is a "predator" and has no right to enjoy such a position on national television.
She further wrote on Instagram: "You have no right to be platformed on National TV till you make amends. 1.3 billion people exist in India. Not everyone needs to make crores on TV to survive or be 'judge' to young people whose safety they jeopardise. You aren't a role model. You could always take a break, go to a sex-rehab or counselling or somewhere to reflect on how to behave better. Ask your kids to do a hard days job & earn a salary. They are adults now. I started working at 22. Open a biriyani shop. Stay away from the public eye? Show remorse? Say sorry? If you did, this would not have happened. There you go! You answered your own Q. Show off shamelessly on TV & we be quiet?"
In his open letter, Malik had mentioned that "being a father of two daughters, I can't imagine committing the acts that I am accused of, let alone do it".
To which Sona countered: "Having two daughters has no link to being a predator," responded Sona. For those who had earlier accused her of trying to jeopardise "Indian Idol", a show that promotes bidding musical talent, she said: The show must go on. Without you. Don't jeopardise the hard work of so many & the dreams of so many contestants just for you. STEP DOWN."
Earlier on Thursday, the composer had claimed in his letter that the allegations against him are "false and unverified". He also alleged that these allegations have affected his and his family's mental health.
In the letter that Malik had shared on Twitter, he wrote: "It has been over a year that I have been accused of something that I haven't done. I have been silent all this while as I was waiting for the truth to surface on its own. But I realise that my silence on the matter has been misconstrued as my weakness."
"Ever since the false and unverified allegations were levelled against me, it has not only ruined my reputation, but affected me and my family's mental health, left us traumatised, and tarnished my career. I feel helpless, like I am being cornered and suffocated."
The 59-year-old composer, who is a father of two, also questioned why these allegations were not spoken about earlier.
"It's disgraceful that at this age, at this stage in my life I have to watch the most slanderous words and horrifying incidents being associated with my name."
"Why wasn't this spoken about before? Why do these allegations resurface only when I am back on television, which is currently my only source of livelihood?"
Malik had also threatened that he would take legal action to "safeguard" himself.
"Fighting a battle on social media is an endless process, at the end of which nobody wins. If this keeps on continuing, I will have no option but to knock on the doors of the courts to safeguard myself," he tweeted.
He concluded his open letter saying: "I would like to thank all my well-wishers who have been with me and my family through this dark phase. I don't know how much more slander and dirt my family and I can take.
The show must go on. But behind this happy face, I'm in pain. I'm in a dark space. And justice is all I want."
Anu Malik finally wrote back to all of us last evening. My response to him, next to his letter. ??
In case mine is too long to read, have also attached a shorter, crisper one, one amongst many on my timeline. Thank you @KallolDatta for saying it better #India @IndiaMeToo pic.twitter.com/NNeW59fLPs— ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) November 15, 2019
Reshammiya, who previously a mentor on Sony TV's "Superstar Singer", will join Neha Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani as a judge on "Indian Idol".
"I was a part of 'Superstar Singer' and now my journey continues on 'Indian Idol 11'. 'Indian Idol' is not only one of India's longest-running singing reality shows but also one of the most iconic one. I am extremely elated to be on the judges panel. From here on the responsibility only increases two-fold," the composer said in a statement.
"I have been following this season and I must say that this year has seen phenomenal singers come forward, who I am sure will create ripples in the Indian music industry," he added.
Allegations against Malik first surfaced last year in October during India's #MeToo movement and he was briefly suspended as a judge but was brought back for the new season, prompting protests from singers Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit, who had accused the music director of sexual misconduct.
Malik, in a statement, had denied the allegations, saying he was being "cornered" for something he did not do. The composer also said that he may be forced to take legal action to defend himself.
He stepped down as a judge on the show last month.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey dismissed the complaint filed by Akbar, saying that no charges were proved against Ramani.
The celebrities termed the judgement as a landmark moment for women and their fight against workplace sexual harassment.
Taking to Twitter, Pannu said that the verdict had instilled her faith in justice at a time when the world looked bleak.
"Amidst all the wrongs and unfair happening around, this did bring a ray of hope that somewhere something is keeping our hope in righteousness alive. Long live truth and justice," the "Thappad" star wrote.
Chadha wrote, "Hope Mr Burns spends the rest of his disgraced days in a radioactive den."
Ramani had made an allegation of sexual misconduct against Akbar in the wake of #MeToo movement in 2018.
In response, Akbar had filed the complaint against Ramani for allegedly defaming him by accusing him of sexual misconduct decades ago.
Onir called the Delhi court's verdict a "milestone judgement".
"This is spectacular. A milestone judgement when it comes to sexual harassment. Important that the court points out that it's not time-bound. Amazing #PriyaRamani #Rebeccajon" he tweeted.
Screenwriter-editor Apurva Asrani said Ramani's acquittal is a "relief" for those women who found the courage to call out their abusers but said it's only half the battle won.
"MJ Akbar must be held accountable for the harassment that she has endured. #MeToo," he wrote.
Actor Mini Mathur said: "Priya Ramani is acquitted. The fact that she needed to defend her accusations of harassment against a powerful man notwithstanding, this is a huge step forward for women speaking up against sexual harassment. Big shoutout to her lawyer Rebecca John as well #justice"
Singers Chinmayi Sripaada and Sona Mohapatra, who had come out with their own stories of sexual harassment in the wake of #MeToo movement, also hailed the judgement.
"It is our right to identify and expose our molesters. File a case when we have the strength and support to do so. #PriyaRamani" Sripaada tweeted.
Mohapatra said, "Mr MJ Akbar's reputation is one that stinks. So protecting it would mean harming a whole society & its dignity. This case is one for #India's protection. Not just her women but also all the good people of this country. #ThankYou #PriyaRamani for standing strong. @IndiaMeToo"
Akbar, who had resigned as Union minister in October 2018, has denied all the allegations of sexual harassment by women who came forward during #MeToo campaign against him.
Reacting to the judgment, Ramani said that it feels great to have your truth validated before court.
It feels amazing, truly does. I feel vindicated on behalf of all the women who have ever spoken out against sexual harassment at workplace.
"It was me the victim who had to stand up in the court as an accused. I thank everyone who stood by me especially my witnesses Ghazala Wahab and Niloufer Venkatraman who came to the court and testified on my behalf," Ramani said as she thanked lawyer Rebecca John and her team for putting their heart and soul in the case.