The #MeToo movement in India has taken the Bollywood industry by storm after many acclaimed stars, directors and producers have been accused of sexual harassment. Latest on the list is popular Indian painter, Jatin Das, who has been accused of sexually harassing a woman 14 years ago. Despite allegations against her father, director Nandita Das will continue to support the #MeToo movement, she wrote in a statement.
Earlier this week, Nisha Bora, co-founder of a papermaking company, alleged that Jatin Das – also a famous Indian sculptor – sexually harassed her 14 years ago. In a detailed account on Twitter, she shared details of the incident.
“I met him at a family dinner hosted by my father-in-law in 2004, Delhi. We talked for a while after which he asked me if I had a few days to spare and could help him organize his work material. I was delighted to say yes. It would be an honour to work with a brilliant artist, to have the opportunity to see his priceless art close up.”
#MeToo One of India's most feted artists alive. Padma Bhushan recipient. My molestor. Long post alert. @IndiaMeToo and so MANY other women, starting with @Rxyxsx Thank you for so much. pic.twitter.com/a6VFC6iHys
— Nisha Bora (@NishaBora) October 16, 2018
Nisha added that she visited him for two days, and it was on the second day at his studio, in Khidki Village when he tried to ‘grab her’.
“He tried to grab me. I wriggled out of his embrace, flustered. Then he did it again. This time, he managed a clumsy kiss on my lips.”
Nandita Das shared a statement, clarifying that despite the disturbing allegations against her father, she will continue to extend her support for women who have endured the pain through the years.
“As a strong supporter of the #MeToo movement, I want to reiterate that I will continue to add my voice to it, despite the disturbing allegations made against my father, which he has categorically denied. I have maintained from the very start that this is the time we all need to listen so that women (and men) feel safe to speak up.”
https://www.facebook.com/Nanditadas.com/posts/2546142815426072?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDSaDVjZwI_1WUTSbFHJvnBwjO3gQkLJs5gsRJYvFwuPEDG1OMC2dEPSSEH6XNYLQ3Ek5th9zJuMQIcTTY-jJ3W6NmTJpeUoZw-fKyRroRpwbjjgM8a0aBvP242EexqNCOKQz2Xq5Sa3QS-InJqXamLizoPWcjJYd8ZG5afluZIkofv99TI5QX11S3L-JUvBpDcgyKM2hNlIMjW0CpFdb0R&__tn__=-R
Amidst the uproar of the #MeToo movement in India, 11 acclaimed female directors joined hands and formed an alliance to show solidarity to women who have been harassed by men in the industry, with the likes of Meghna Gulzar, Zoya Akhtar and Nandita Das.
#metooindia pic.twitter.com/19a6Duj6IR
— Konkona Sensharma (@konkonas) October 14, 2018
After Sajid Khan was allegedly accused of having harassed three women, Farah Khan took a stance on the matter as well, clearly stating that she in no way endorses such misconduct.
“If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for. I don’t in any way endorse this behaviour and stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt,” she tweeted.
This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for.I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt.
— TheFarahKhan (@TheFarahKhan) October 12, 2018
Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the highest civilian award in India, Jatin has categorically denied all claims, naming them ‘vulgar’ and an attempt to level allegations against people for ‘fun.’
“I’m shocked all kinds of things are happening these days. Some people do things and some make allegations. I don’t know her, I have never met her. And even if I did meet somebody somewhere one does not behave like this… it is vulgar,” he told IANS.Â
