Amruta Subhash, the acclaimed actress known for her performances in Lust Stories 2, Gully Boy, and Bombay Begums, has recently shared her experiences with sexual harassment in the industry, highlighting the importance of speaking out and standing up for oneself. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Subhash recounted several disturbing incidents, revealing how she confronted the perpetrators and asserted her boundaries.
One of the incidents she described involved a "big" producer during her theatre days. While climbing stairs, Subhash felt an inappropriate touch near her waist. She immediately turned around and confronted the producer, asking him directly about his actions. The producer attempted to brush it off, but Subhash persisted, making it clear that such behavior was unacceptable. Despite concerns from others about potential repercussions on her career, Subhash stood firm, emphasizing that no one has the right to touch her without consent.
Subhash also shared another incident involving a senior filmmaker who repeatedly invited her to his room for drinks. Instead of ignoring his advances, Subhash decided to confront him directly. She accepted his invitation, went to his room, and, in front of others, questioned his inappropriate behavior, reminding him of the age difference between them and firmly setting a boundary. She recalls making him feel awkward and ashamed of his actions.
Beyond these specific instances, Subhash has spoken about facing harassment in everyday situations, including an incident on a train where a teenage boy inappropriately touched her. Instead of resorting to public shaming, she chose to address the situation by teaching him a lesson.
Subhash credits the women in her life for giving her the strength and courage to stand up against harassment. She acknowledges that speaking out may have cost her roles, but she firmly believes in the importance of self-respect and not tolerating inappropriate behavior, regardless of the perpetrator's power or influence. She emphasizes the need to look such men in the eye without fear and challenge their actions directly.
Subhash's willingness to share her experiences contributes to the ongoing conversation about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and beyond. By speaking out, she empowers other women to come forward and challenge inappropriate behavior, creating a safer and more respectful environment for everyone. Her actions demonstrate the importance of setting boundaries, confronting perpetrators, and prioritizing self-respect, even in the face of potential professional consequences.
