Wanted: Voiceless women

Aradhika  Sharma

“Apart from Vikas Bahl, you know who is coming out stinking from this sexual harassment case at Phantom Films? It is Anurag Kashyap!” I said, while waiting for cappuccino at a coffee shop where I was meeting my lawyer friend, Shireen.

“In fact, I would say that Phantom Films — even probably, the entire film industry — has been exposed in the worst possible way,” she said.

“Yes! But look at how the so-called crusader for social justice has chosen to handle this episode. To begin with, when the woman who approached him for redressal clearly stated that she’d been assaulted in the most horrible, humiliating manner, he chooses to do nothing. Thereafter, fully aware of the background of abuse, he asks her to work with her abuser on a project! Finally, when Phantom Films is plagued by internecine struggles between the four partners, he decides to use her as a pawn and denounce Bahl to the media,” Shireen said, nodding a thank you to the girl who served us. “Vaise, isn’t there supposed to be an Internal Complaints Committee in every organisation?” I asked.

“Of course! It’s a government mandate but who’s surprised that Phantom didn’t have one?” Shireen stirred the sweetener in her coffee.

“Kashyap says in his apology note that as the victim didn’t want her name revealed, they dropped the issue,” I said.

“Eyewash!” Shireen snorted dismissively. “An ICC never reveals the victim’s name. The members are supposed to conduct a thorough investigation and report their findings to the management within a stipulated time frame. Thereafter, the organisation is bound by the law to take appropriate action against the perpetrator.”

“He seems quite contrite in the open letter though,” I said. “Oh, please! His letter comes across as balderdash wherein he’s trying to alleviate his role in this mess. He’s trying to project himself as a ‘bechara’, impractical artiste, giving silly excuses like he didn’t know what he was signing, was misled by his lawyers, and actually had the best intentions. Are we really supposed to buy that?”

“Now that the ‘Lootera’ has been caught doing ‘Manmarziyaan’, they’re all feeling ‘Trapped’,” I quipped. “Those are the names of Phantom films, BTW.”

“Well, Phantom was owned by four of the most powerful men in the industry and many other equally influential men were collaborating in different projects. So, while the poor woman was going through a period of depression, doubt and medication, these guys moved ahead with impunity.”

“There should be a sign for new entrants in the industry: ‘Bollywood Brotherhood: Only Soundless Females Allowed!’” I said.

“One person who is anything but soundless, is Kangana. The woman has a voice and the guts to use it. She’s jumped into the fray now!” laughed Shireen.

“Good for ‘Queen Kangana’! The #TimesUp and #MeToo movements have made their way to India at last. High time that women who’ve experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace got heard.”

“True! The country needs a safe forum that focuses on revelation, healing and survivorship. Do you think it’s here to stay?” I wondered.

“Fingers crossed, but only time will tell!”