We Should Not Silence Those Voices: Pooja Bhatt on Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar Controversy

Pooja spoke about how it's not important if Bollywood stands by the person.

Actress and director Pooja Bhatt has reacted to the controversy surrounding the allegations Tanushree Dutta made about veteran actor Nana Patekar. Ever since Tanushree spoke out about being harassed by Nana on the sets of Horn Ok Please in 2008, Bollywood stars have been coming forward to share their views on the matter.

Pooja, who is the latest in a line of celebrities to have spoken out, was interacting with reporters at Jagran Film Festival when the conversation turned to people questioning Tanushree about the timing of her allegations.

“Whenever someone complains about it, you shouldn’t count it out. I don’t think we should silence those voices,” Filmi Beat quoted her as saying.

Tanushree, for her part, had complained about Nana’s misbehaviour way back when it happened, but nobody paid any heed, and according to the actress’ parents, even the police ignored it.

On Bollywood taking Tanushree’s side in the matter, Pooja said, “I find it a very frivolous conversation whether ‘Bollywood stands with you or not’. Truth doesn’t need PR.”

“If you believe it, go out there and speak it. Do not expect anyone to hold your hands and support you. Bollywood is a great place. You can expect support for award ceremonies, weddings and funerals,” she added.

Also present at the film festival was actor Varun Dhawan, who said that while he did not know the details of the case, it is essential to make workplace safe for women.

On where the matter has reached, Nana’s lawyer Rajendra Shirodhkar revealed that a legal notice has been sent to Tanushree.