Sandalwood women support the #MeToo movement

The #MeToo movement, that is all about survivors of abuse and harassment, has now reached Sandalwood. Two actresses have shared accounts of their horrific tales with predators, while Ragini Dwivedi, in an interview, expressed how her mother helped a young aspiring actress out from a couple of fake casting directors.
Actress

Sangeetha Bhat

, of Eradane Sala and Dayavittu Gamanisi fame, shared a three-page-long letter that chronicled how she was a victim of multiple harassing situations in the film industry that has led her to quit the industry. Sangeetha shared horrific tales of sexual and mental harassment in her letter, where she also confessed that these daunting situations made her seek professional help.
She wrote, “I am not doing this for any attention or sympathy or media coverage or (to) throw allegations on people who have hurt me, as I don’t want to stoop down to their level of cheapness of small thinking and achieve some limelight, coz as I said before, I am out of this field of entertainment.” She also stated she didn’t take names as she has “no proof for any of them”, except the trauma she has been through and that she cares about their families, who were not involved. She also confessed how she hid her marital status to “save her career”, and adds that her husband stood by her always.
Actress and RJ Nethra, in her tweets, wrote, “Year 2011.. A girl 7 years younger and less wiser.. It was Christmas Eve at a night club with friends.. A well known actor, walks in with a big bunch of friends.. Girl and the actor xchange pleasantries.. Girl being her usual affable self.. Actor gets chatty... Calls girl on the dance floor.. tries to get up close.. Girl senses trouble.. Takes leave of the actor.. Actor forces her to stay and says ‘if this place isn’t convenient, we can always go to my room’... If this accounts to sexual harassment, then #MeToo.”
Ragini, in a video she shared on her Facebook page, spoke about an incident where her mother had successfully unmasked fake predators who were masking as casting directors, trying to trap vulnerable aspirants by faking stories saying they launched Ragini Dwivedi too. While this is just the beginning of the #MeToo storm here, a lot of the Kannada actresses are supporting the movement too.
Actresses voice their support
I’m shocked, appalled and truly heartbroken by the accounts of all the women who are courageously coming forward. However, at the same time, I feel a sense of pride that women are finally coming out of the dark, letting go of the shame and fear and finally speaking up. No woman, or individual for that matter, should have to face a situation where they feel threatened, are bullied and harassed in any way, sexually or otherwise.
— Kriti Kharbanda

I’m happy that most women are out with their stories on abuse and sexual harassment. I’m pretty sure most of the stories are true, but most of them would never openly talk about it before with the idea that they may not get work in the industry! Hopefully this movement should help curb those creepy ones from acting the way they do. And a piece of advice to girls , NO means NO. So don’t fall prey to such individuals at any given circumstance.
— Sharmiela Mandre

First #MeToo from Kannada Film industry (referring to Sangeetha’s #MeToo experience). Your experiences have left me shuddering and depressed! I am so proud that you came out. I know the amount of courage it takes to do this and I applaud you. The fact that you aren’t scared of the consequences, and are facing this head on, leaves me inspired. I know you will not just face a lot of flak and unwanted questions from our media, but will have to face the retaliation from your predators.
— Sruthi Hariharan

My unconditional support, love and strength to all the women who stood up for what it is. It is because of your courage and righteousness today that there is even a hope for things to change.
#TimesUp #LongOverdue #MeTooMovement
— Meghana Gaonkar

High time women take a stand against harassment of any sort, because for years, the ones who harass go scot free and the victims are pressured into keeping silent.
— Aindrita Ray

It’s commendable to see so many women come out and speak up, it gives strength to a lot of others to do the same. But please do not take advantage of this and frame someone innocent. It’s important for us to be honest and help the women who have faced this seek justice. #MeToo
— Samyuktha Hegde