Fatima Sana Shaikh, recognized for her impactful roles in movies such as Dangal, Ludo, Thugs of Hindostan, and Sam Bahadur, recently spoke candidly about issues like the casting couch, sexual misconduct, and evolving power structures in Bollywood. In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, she acknowledged that the Me Too movement has led to some positive changes, though she emphasized that the industry still has a long way to go.
Fatima Sana Shaikh opens up about sexual harassment in Bollywood; says, “After Me Too, women can talk about it…”
When questioned about why she is one of the few Bollywood actors to openly address these issues, Fatima noted that the industry’s culture is gradually evolving. “I believe things have changed. There’s greater accountability now. People are a bit more cautious and fearful,” she remarked.
She pointed out that many film sets now have systems to address misconduct. “There is dialogue, there are investigations… this happens across all industries,” she said, emphasizing that such complaints are now treated with more seriousness than in the past.
Exploring the complex nature of misconduct, Fatima spoke about the often-overlooked grey areas, particularly when personal and professional boundaries become unclear. She explained, “You are working with someone, you have become intimate. But then you don’t understand, the lines are blurred. Then there is the dynamic of the power.”
She also addressed the growing presence of accountability in the industry. She stated, “Because it is a male-dominant industry. And now, after Me Too, women can talk about it… You will be held accountable.”
Reflecting on her own experiences, Fatima clarified that while she has encountered uncomfortable moments, she has never been subjected to direct sexual misconduct in Bollywood. “It’s not like the industry is bad. Any incident that has happened, it’s just been this one little, small-time somebody and some conversation,” she said.
Fatima also emphasized that these problems aren’t exclusive to the entertainment industry, suggesting they might be even more prevalent in the corporate world. “Corporate is life when you are together. So there, it’s even more rampant… and even more toxic,” she noted.
Fatima commended OTT platforms like Amazon and Netflix for implementing strict protocols to safeguard cast and crew. She described how representatives from designated agencies now conduct mandatory PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) sessions on set. “Someone from the agency will come in… there’s a meeting with the cast, crew, and all the heads of departments. They clearly explain your rights, what’s acceptable, and what’s not,” she explained.
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