By Anil Merani: Navina Bole’s brave decision to speak out about her experience with Sajid Khan and the broader #MeToo movement in Bollywood is a beacon of hope, shedding light on a much deeper problem that needs to be addressed.
Bole recounted how Khan asked her to strip to her lingerie during a meeting at his home, claiming it was to assess her “comfort” for a role in Heyy Baby
Many predators in the industry may still operate in the shadows, exploiting women without facing public exposure or consequences. Several factors contribute to this hidden crisis:
Power Imbalances: Bollywood’s hierarchical structure, dominated by influential male directors, producers, and stars, creates an environment where aspiring actresses or crew members feel pressured to comply with inappropriate demands. Refusal often risks blacklisting or career sabotage, discouraging victims from speaking out.
Culture of Silence: The industry’s tight-knit “ecosystem” discourages whistleblowing. As seen in cases like Khan’s, powerful figures are often shielded by peers, studios, or media, while victims face skepticism or retaliation. This emboldens predators to act with impunity, knowing they’re unlikely to be exposed.
Lack of Formal Systems: Unlike Hollywood, where organizations like Time’s Up pushed for accountability, Bollywood lacks robust mechanisms to address sexual misconduct. Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), mandated under India’s 2013 Sexual Harassment Act, are often absent or ineffective in the informal, project-based film industry.
Fear of Stigma: Victims hesitate to come forward due to social stigma, victim-blaming, or fear of being labeled “difficult.” The absence of concrete evidence, like recordings, further deters women, as allegations are often dismissed as “he-said, she-said.”
Unreported Cases: Posts on X and web reports suggest countless untold stories. For every high-profile case—like those involving Khan, Vikas Bahl, or Anu Malik—many more incidents likely go unreported, especially involving lesser-known figures or women in non-acting roles, such as technicians or writers.
The 2018 #MeToo wave brought some accountability, but progress has stalled. Without systemic reforms—like enforceable industry-wide policies, anonymous reporting channels, or stronger legal follow-through—hidden predators will likely continue exploiting women, protected by Bollywood’s entrenched power dynamics. The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated. Encouragingly, voices like Bole’s and increased public scrutiny may inspire more survivors to speak, but dismantling this culture requires collective action from the industry and its audience
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