Rape Accused Actor Alok Nath To Play A Judge In A Film On #MeToo

Guess what? Alok Nath will now be seen essaying the role of a judge condemning child molestation and sexual abuse in a film revolving around the #MeToo movement, reports Mumbai Mirror. Last year when the #MeToo movement took Bollywood by storm actor Alok Nath was accused of rape by one of his colleagues Vinta Nanda.

Unbelievable. Alok Nath, accused of rape, is playing a judge in a film titled ‘Main Bhi’ or ‘Me Too’. Let that sink in. He told the paper “you seem unhappy” that he is doing this role.



Not only are we letting down survivors, we are mocking them. https://t.co/cHDTXMEoC4

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) March 1, 2019

#MainBhi Film featuring Alok Nath

In October 2018, TV producer-writer Vinta Nanda accused actor Alok Nath of sexual harassment and raping her twice about 20 years ago while they were shooting their TV show, Tara. Nanda's revelation was shocking for the entire fraternity, eventually, she filed a criminal case against Nath. Afterwards, several other actresses, including Himani Shivpuri and Sandhya Mridul, also accused the veteran actor of misconduct. Nath, however, has denied all such claims.

The current film is titled #MainBhi (#MeToo in Hindi), and is directed by Nasir Khan and shot in Bhopal. Talking about the film, the 62-year-old actor told the Mirror, “I’m not doing any films at the moment. This was something I shot for a while ago. Is there a problem? You sound sad that I’m doing a film. It’s a puny role for poor producers, let it release.”

He added, "Is there a problem? You sound sad that I’m doing a film. It’s a puny role for poor producers, let it release.”

#MainBhi also features actors Khalid Siddiqui, Shawar Ali, Imran Khan, Sonali Raut, Mukesh Khanna and Shahbaz Khan.

Please stop reacting to that Alok Nath film. It's an inconsequential film that was made a while ago, that he has a small part in. Your outrage is what is giving that film publicity. Otherwise, no one cares about it. If no one talks about it, the film will never release.

— YellowGlassDragon (@karishmau) March 1, 2019

Highlighting the importance of the film, Siddiqui told Mirror, “The film deals with child molestation, a subject that hasn’t been tapped on-screen often, particularly with regard to boys. My character, along with the other, are affected by incidents that change our lives. We hope the film starts a debate on the subject.”

CINTAA and Others rebelled

In November 2018 Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) had expelled Nath. His wife Ashu went to court against Nanda and Nath eventually got anticipatory bail.

Following the incident last year, SheThePeople.TV reached out to Sushant Singh, executive member of CINTAA, to know more about the issues.

“#MeToo movement has finally begun, course-correction too shall happen. Perpetrators must be held accountable by their fraternity,” Singh said.

READ MORE: #MeToo Movement Has Finally Begun, Says Sushant Singh

So far, Twitter users have been highly critical of this news:

Appealing to you @sushant_says and @CintaaOfficial to take cognisance of the voices of four women who have spoken up against this man, ask the film's production house why it is platforming Nath. CINTAA should release a statement officially condemning this. Please stand with women

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) March 1, 2019

So let's also address the "innocent until proven guilty" which has and will come up in responses. In this case there's an FIR and due process is being followed. Alok Nath has access to lawyers and the entire judicial recourse in addition to social capital and public sympathy.

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) March 1, 2019

His access to legal recourse has not been taken away and he will continue to have his day in court. But when men accused by multiple women of predatory behaviour continue to get work while the case is being heard....

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) March 1, 2019

....it sends the message that women's lived experiences (in present or past) is lesser than the man's social capital. That their voices do not matter. While a boycott is never a solution, the platforms that give such a man work need to be questioned and pressured and called out.

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) March 1, 2019

Read More Stories By Ria Das

Picture credit: Patrika.com