#MeToo in India: After Sajid Khan, Nana Patekar exits ‘Housefull 4’
Nana Patekar leaves after addressing the media. Image by Yogen Shah
The #MeToo movement has completed changed the way we perceive Media and entertainment industry. The movement was brought in India by actress Tanushree Dutta who accused Nana Patekar of sexually harassing her on the sets of ‘Horn Ok Pleasss’ in 2008.
The incident not only sent shock waves in the country but also opened a can of worms with numerous women calling out several prominent men in the film industry. Multiple women came have recently accused Sajid Khan of sexual misconduct. Khan, who was directing ‘Housefull 4’had to ultimately step down from his role due to the media pressure.
The film stars Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh and Nana Patekar. Patekar was in fact in Jodhpur shooting for the film when Tanushree’s story broke out in the media. And now Patekar has also stepped out of the film.Also read:Tanushree Dutta records statement with police after filing FIR against Nana Patekar
According to media reports, Patekar decided to leave the film owing to the backlash that he has been facing for the past few days. He hasn’t made any official statement on the matter yet.
Earlier in the day, Akshay Kumar wrote, “I have just landed in the country last night and reading all the news has been really very disturbing. I've requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action.”
Kumar’s co-star Riteish Deshmukh followed suit and issued a similar statement agreeing with the actor on cancelling the shoot of the film till investigations were on.
Sajid's sister Farha Khan and his cousin Farhan Akhtar have also responded to the allegations against the filmmaker.
