EXCLUSIVE | 'We Should Not Indulge In Victim Shaming,' says Smriti Irani On Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar Row

Former Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta had recently accused actor Nana Patekar of alleged misconduct, while the former was shooting for a song sequence in the 2008 film 'Horn OK Pleasss'. The actress had accused Nana Patekar of intentionally wanting to do intimate steps with her in a song, which he initially was not supposed to be a part of.  Post the incident in 2008, the actress had filed a complaint, but it reached no conclusion. The actress then moved to the United States of America post the incident.

Read: EXCLUSIVE: 'No Thoughts In That Direction,' Says Tanushree Dutta On Being Asked If She Had Planned To Speak About The Harassment

Recently, after 10 years, Dutta returned to Mumbai and made headlines after she once again shed light on the incident. In a recent interview, when she was questioned on whether the #MeToo moment will take place in India, she said that it will not happen until she gets justice for what happened to her 10 years ago and went on to narrate the incident. 

While several Bollywood celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra to name a few, poured their support to the actress, even non-Bollywood members like Aditya Thackeray, Maneka Gandhi, and Smriti Irani raised their voice in support.  Smriti Irani while speaking exclusively to Republic TV, commented on the issue and said, 

'' I have never ever supported victim shaming. I am also of the belief that if somebody has some kind of an issue which they would like legally address, they should go to the police station and register a formal complaint. I believe the wheels of justice in our country turned enough to ensure that justice is given to those who cry out for help or seek legal support. I will also add here that, I have been in this industry, and I have been a newcomer in my industry with not a penny in my pocket. I have never been treated with disrespect within my industry and that I have been proud of. But none the less, if a lady speaks out, we should not indulge in victim shaming. We should not indulge in name calling, I think that due process of law needs to follow and people need to ensure that irrespective of the party, man or woman, Justice is done and a legal stand is taken.''

Read: EXCLUSIVE | 'After This Incident, I Was Already Thrown Out Of This Industry,' Says Tanushree Dutta In Interview To Arnab Goswami