The Silent Struggle of Tanushree Dutta: A MeToo Survivor’s Fight Against Harassment and Injustice

In the glimmering world of Bollywood, where dreams are made and broken, the story of Tanushree Dutta stands as a poignant reminder of courage, resilience, and the dark shadows that still linger behind the glamour. In an exclusive interview with News18 India, Tanushree opened up about the harrowing experiences she has endured over the last five years — a saga of intimidation, sabotage, and relentless harassment that began after she spoke out during the MeToo movement.

The Beginning of a Nightmare

Tanushree’s journey took a sharp turn in 2019, when she became one of the first Bollywood actresses to publicly accuse powerful figures in the industry of sexual harassment. Her bold stand sparked a wave of support but also unleashed a storm of backlash from influential quarters.

“I started noticing strange things happening right after I returned to India from the USA in 2020,” Tanushree revealed. “I had several film offers — not huge projects, but promising ones with good scripts. But one by one, all my projects got sabotaged. It felt like a lobby or a group didn’t want me back in Bollywood.”

She described how producers who showed interest suddenly disappeared. One Bengali producer, keen to work with her, was so intimidated that he fled the country to Bhutan. “No one knows who called him or what exactly happened, but he vanished,” she said.

The sabotage wasn’t limited to professional setbacks. Tanushree began experiencing what she described as stalking and surveillance. “People were following me everywhere — groups of men, not ordinary strangers, but hired goons. They recorded my movements, sometimes coming too close, showing me they were watching.”

At airports, flights, and even spiritual retreats, she felt the constant eyes of these unknown followers. “Once, I was sitting inside the Mahakal temple when four men surrounded me, ambushing me deliberately.”

The Shadow of MeToo

Tanushree firmly linked these incidents to her MeToo revelations. “The people behind this are Bollywood mafia, the accused in MeToo cases. Their egos were hurt because I was seen as a leader of the movement,” she explained. “They didn’t want me to succeed or inspire other women.”

She recalled filing a press conference in 2019 questioning the activities of the Nana Patekar Foundation, which she accused of misusing government and public funds. Nana Patekar himself, a prominent actor with alleged criminal links to underworld gangs, was at the center of her accusations.

“Patekar has openly admitted in a YouTube video that he belongs to an underworld family and would have been a don if he wasn’t an actor,” Tanushree said. “His gang, linked to Manya Surve’s family, is still active in Bombay.”

Threats and Home Invasions

The harassment extended beyond professional sabotage and stalking. Tanushree disclosed chilling incidents at her own home. “Strangers would ring my doorbell repeatedly, but when I opened the door, no one was there. Sometimes, they would bang on the door loudly, trying to scare me.”

She recounted how she had to instruct her building security not to allow unknown people inside. Despite this, a man repeatedly insisted she open the door for a parcel delivery, lying that the watchman refused to accept it. “He kept harassing me, and I don’t know who is sending these people to disturb me.”

More alarmingly, Tanushree revealed that someone planted a maid in her house with the intent to poison her. “My old maids, who were trustworthy, were driven away mysteriously. The new maid was cunning and was adding something to my water and food. I became seriously ill, unconscious for hours.”

She described how her health deteriorated rapidly after the maid started working for her. “I was doing meditation, yoga, gym workouts, and was very fit. But suddenly, I was bedridden, my mind blacked out. It took me a week to realize something was wrong.”

Attempts to Seek Justice and Police Response

Despite these threats and attacks, Tanushree admitted she had not reported many incidents to the police earlier. “When such incidents happen with different people involved every time, it’s hard to file a proper complaint. Faces change; one day it’s one group, the next day another.”

However, after the recent escalation, she plans to approach the police formally. “I will go to the police station tomorrow. I haven’t slept, and calls have been nonstop. I am exhausted but determined.”

She expressed frustration with the police and judicial system. “When I filed my FIR, the police wasted hours taking my statement and gave false hope. After seven months, they closed the case with a ‘B summary’ — meaning the case was baseless despite all evidence and affidavits from eyewitnesses.”

Tanushree accused the system of corruption and protecting criminals. “Even with affidavits proving harassment by Nana Patekar, the case was dismissed. This is corruption to save criminals.”

A Fight Against Powerful Forces

Tanushree’s ordeal is not just a personal battle but a fight against a powerful nexus of Bollywood mafia, underworld gangs, and corrupt officials.

“These criminals don’t act alone; they have gangs behind them. The same mafia that allegedly was involved in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death is behind these attacks,” she said.

The sabotage of her projects, the intimidation of producers, and the isolation from industry contacts all point to a concerted effort to silence her.

The Emotional Toll and Isolation

The emotional and physical toll of this relentless harassment has been immense. Tanushree revealed she lives alone, with no family support nearby. “I have to manage everything myself. There’s no one to look after me.”

She spoke of the loneliness and fear caused by the constant stalking and home invasions. “It’s terrifying to be scared in your own home, to hear the doorbell ring nonstop when you’re sick.”

Despite everything, Tanushree remains resolute. “I have been fighting since 2018. I am a woman, not a man, to keep fighting such a battle alone.”

Appeals to the Government and Society

When asked about her appeal to the government, Tanushree expressed despair. “I watch ministers who mingle with criminals like Nana Patekar. How can I ask them for help?”

She urged society and authorities to take such cases seriously. “I don’t have the strength to keep fighting alone. I want sincerity from the system and protection from harassment.”

She hopes that by reopening her case and focusing on new complaints, justice can finally be served. “If they stop the harassment, I will be happy.”

Reflections on the MeToo Movement

Tanushree’s story underscores the challenges faced by survivors of sexual harassment in India’s entertainment industry. The MeToo movement brought many voices to light but also exposed the entrenched power structures resistant to change.

Her experience reveals how speaking out can invite not only professional retaliation but also personal danger.

Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Change

Tanushree Dutta’s courage in sharing her story is a beacon for many women facing similar battles in silence. Her fight highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms, protection for survivors, and accountability for perpetrators.

As she prepares to take her complaint forward, Tanushree’s message is clear: “I want justice. I want to protect others from what I have endured. This is not just my fight; it’s a fight for every woman who dares to speak the truth.”