New Delhi:
Alok Nath, known for his roles as a stereotypical Indian father, personifying religious traditions and moral values in films and TV shows has come under the fire of #MeToo campaign. The 'sanskaari' actor, who allegedly raped writer and showrunner Vinta Nanda two decades ago was called out in public by the director.
After Vinta Nanda, a woman crew member of Hum Saath Saath Hain shared her gruesome experience at the hands of Alok Nath.
Looking back to the horrifying incident, the woman said "We were shooting for a night scene and I had taken a change of costumes to him. Once I handed him the clothes, he started stripping in front of me. I was taken aback, and tried to make my way out of the room as soon as possible. When I tried to run out, he grabbed my hand and manhandled me. I remember yanking my hand out of his grip and rushing out of the room." According to a report by India Today.
Failing to muster the courage to speak up against the nightmarish incident, the woman said, "I was shell-shocked; I couldn't muster the courage to speak up against him. He was extremely close to the Barjatyas, and Sooraj sir would have taken it badly."Giving up on her career, the woman revealed, "I don't actively do movies anymore. The course of my career changed [after this episode]. But Vinta's post brought it all back."
After Vinta Nanda’s revelation, Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) has reacted promptly by sending him a show cause notice. Actor Sushant Singh, a CINTAA official, tweeted today to say that Mr Nath will be sent a show cause notice asking him to explain why he should not immediately be expelled from the film body. Mr Singh also advised Vinta Nanda to file a formal complaint, promising full support.
It is the escalating voices against sexual harassment across the world as part of the #MeToo wave that gave Nanda and other women, the courage to pen down the experiences that scarred them for life.
