The #TimesUp or #MeToo movement might have trickled down to Bollywood a little later in 2018 after the outburst that it had in Hollywood, but trickle down it did and for good. There were many people in positions of power that were called out for their sexually inappropriate behaviour. Among the many that were called out was one, who across the industry and outside, was known to play the most sanskaari characters of all time. Writer-producer Vinta Nanda, in a heart-wrenching facebook post, had alleged that ‘sanskaari‘ actor Alok Nath had sexually harassed her. After that, many actresses came out sharing their uncomfortable experiences with the actor as well. The actor was expelled by Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) until further notice after he refused to show up at one of the meetings called after Vinta’s story went viral.
While Vinta went on to lodge an official complaint 19 years after the incident, the court granted bail to Alok Nath saying that Vinta might have accused the actor for her benefit.
Now, according to reports in Mumbai Mirror, Alok Nath will be playing a judge in a film based on sexual harassment. When the leading daily contacted the actor about the same, he commented saying that this was a film he shot a while ago and that it was a puny role for poor producers. He even requested that the people let the film release. Khalid Siddiqui, who plays one of the main roles in the film, also revealed to Mumbai Mirror how Alok Nath has a monologue in the film on how molestation is wrong.
While we don’t know if the reports are true, we are appalled by the irony of this casting. What do you guys have to say about this?
Credit: Mumbai Mirror