Many women remain silent when facing abuse from powerful men, fearing job loss or other serious repercussions. There have been several cases from the entertainment industries in India itself, the most notable being Tanushree Dutta’s case.
The actress had reignited a decade-old allegation against veteran actor Nana Patekar, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of the 2008 film “Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss.” Despite Dutta’s detailed account and the initial uproar, her career faced severe repercussions, with limited work opportunities and industry support. Conversely, Patekar continued his career without significant fallout, maintaining his reputation and receiving new projects.
Similarly, several female employees at Phantom Films accused co-founder Vikas Bahl of sexual misconduct. However, women often endure abuse quietly to protect their careers and avoid blacklisting.
The same is probably the case with Telugu actor Anjali, who was recently disrespectfully pushed publicly by the powerful actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna. While there was a significant uproar from people who watched the video online against Balakrishna, Anjali broke her silence after the incident by thanking Balakrishna for gracing the pre-release event of her film with his presence.
“I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for eachother and We share a great friendship from a long time,” she wrote on X, sharing a video from the event.
Have a look:
I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence.
I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for eachother and We share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to… pic.twitter.com/mMOOqGcch2
— Anjali (@yoursanjali) May 30, 2024
While there were many who slammed her for not taking a stand for herself, many pointed out that this is exactly how patriarchy works – it silences women or robs them off opportunities and personal safety if they decide to speak out against powerful men.
Being a woman I can say that what that disrespectful man did to her would have hurt her internally a lot and she must be still thinking about it yet with a lot of practice and self-control she handled it gracefully because she did not have any other option.
You absolutely cannot… https://t.co/KOoa13YVGV
— Pratim? (@BhosalePratim) May 30, 2024
If you don’t think she was forced into posting this, you are an idiot or naive or part of the patriarchal system. https://t.co/hVjuMGl7t5
— തിരക്കഥ വേണോ തിരക്കഥ (@ThirakkadhaVeno) May 31, 2024
If someone asks you why girl’s/women won’t open up and share the abuse they have gone through,show them this,they know ntg new gonna happen and they will focus more on the victim and keep stressing them and make their life difficult,so they choose not to open up… https://t.co/aCOK957I1j
— Anu ᴮᴵᴺᴰᵁ ? (@AnuBindu0) May 30, 2024
This is how power dynamics operate in the workplace, extending beyond just the film industry.
Individuals, often men, in positions of authority/power can escape accountability for their actions.One doesn’t have to be a NASA engineer to put 2 & 2 together.. Garu’s ego must have… https://t.co/fDX6u97xvw
— Shilpa Godbole (@godbole_shilpa) May 31, 2024
Anjali is tremendously talented native Telugu actress who unfortunately got her half due recognition in Tamil industry. She can’t speak against one of the most influential film families’ idiot given the fanatic nature of his fanbase & what all extent they can go to in harrassment https://t.co/PrheF30U23
— Zoso (@rogueintj) May 31, 2024
Guys trolling her, What else do you expect her to do? Don’t expect the victim to take a stand when people who has power are just spectating.. Nobody in the industry have condemned Balayya for even worst things he’s done.. https://t.co/qCwZTTshXv
— தோழர் ஆதி (@RjAadhi2point0) May 30, 2024
i knew this would come and she’d be name called& dissed just like how she was criticized for her helpless laugh on stage, just like how she will be criticized,name called if & when she decides to speak about it if/when she does. All I wish is she gathers the courage to,regardless https://t.co/NELMpXYbdq
— harini ☕️?? (@chaivanism) May 31, 2024
You do what I say or else your career is done ? https://t.co/wDBfLxuXKN
— Priyanka Sharma (@piathelady) May 31, 2024
What are your views regarding this entire incident?