The raging #MeToo movement on Tuesday led film associations CINTAA and IFTDA to react in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against actor Alok Nath and director Vikas Bahl. The Producers Guild of India said it will form a committee to help the film fraternity to call out and report sexual harassment and abuse.
The Indian Film and Television Directors Association took a hard stand against “Queen” director Bahl for “outraging the modesty of his female colleague” and condemned his “predatory behaviour” against a female crew member of a film or TV unit, read a statement.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of power against our female professionals… In light of the events, IFTDA has taken a stern stand against Vikas Bahl by issuing a show cause notice and asked him to respond within one week, failing which his membership will be terminated,” read a statement signed by IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit.
This apart, the Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) on Tuesday decided to send a show cause notice to Alok Nath, who has been accused of rape by “Tara” fame writer-producer Vinta Nanda. She says the actor, known for his ‘sanskaari’ on-screen image, raped her almost two decades ago.
CINTAA General Secretary Sushant Singh said a show-cause notice will be sent to Alok. He urged Nanda to file a complaint against “this vile creature” and added: “We extend you full support.” Meanwhile, the Producers Guild of India announced that it recognises the “urgent need to set up a robust process to ensure the highest standards of safety for employees and crew members at the workplace – whether in offices or on sets of productions.
“We are instituting a committee within the Guild to lead this effort, and we are determined to stay the course till workplaces in the industry are safe spaces for everyone,” read a statement. Several celebrities including Nana Patekar, Rajat Kapoor, Alok Nath and members of comedy collective AIB have been named and shamed for sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo wave.