Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 23: Actress Tanushree Dutta, the face of Bollywood’s #MeToo movement in 2018, has raised fresh concerns over her safety and well-being. In an emotional Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Tanushree is seen in tears, pleading for help and alleging that she has been subjected to relentless harassment at her Mumbai residence for the past 4-5 years.
"I'm being harassed in my own home," she says in the video, adding that she had to call the police out of fear. Though the police responded, she said she was asked to file a formal complaint, which she plans to do in the coming days. "I'm not well. My health has deteriorated because of this ongoing mental torture," she said.
Tanushree claimed she has been unable to maintain her home or hire domestic help, alleging that planted maids have stolen from her and worsened her situation. “I have to do all my work. People keep coming to my door and harassing me,” she said. Her caption read, “I'm sick and tired of this harassment!! It's been going on since 2018 #metoo. Aaj fed up hokar maine police ko call kiya. Please someone help me! Do something before it's too late.”
She also shared a series of stories detailing constant loud banging noises and disturbances from unknown people. “I got tired of complaining to the building management and gave up,” she wrote, adding that she couldn't even rest due to noise and people ignoring her “Do Not Disturb” instructions.
Tanushree had made headlines in 2018 when she accused actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment on the sets of Horn 'Ok' Pleassss in 2009, a complaint she first filed in 2008. Her #MeToo revelation triggered a national movement. However, in 2019, Mumbai Police gave Nana a clean chit, filing a B-summary report that termed her complaint as “malicious” and “possibly out of revenge.”
Her sister, actress Ishita Dutta, had earlier shared concerns about Tanushree’s safety, referring to a 2008 incident where a mob attacked her car. “Had the police not reached in time, things could have gotten worse,” she said.
Tanushree, who won Femina Miss India Universe in 2004, is known for her roles in films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Bhagam Bhag, and Dhol. Her recent plea has sparked fresh concerns about the mental health and safety of whistleblowers in the entertainment industry.