Amit Behl: 70% MeToo Claims Genuine, Some Lacked Substance

Actor Amit Behl has discussed his experiences navigating the MeToo movement within the entertainment industry. He suggested that approximately 70% of the allegations were authentic, with about 30% lacking substantial evidence. Behl recalled that the initial case that sparked the movement in Bollywood, involving Tanushree Dutta's claims against Nana Patekar and director Rakesh Sarang, felt to him as lacking sufficient grounds, particularly noting the absence of physical assault. He described being personally shaken by the emergence of certain prominent names, secrets he intends to keep private.

Behl observed that the movement brought buried issues to light, leading to significant structural improvements. He highlighted the establishment of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committees, noting that major production houses and channels now have guidelines and internal committees in place. The actor also recounted the profound emotional toll the movement took on him, including representing CINTAA on a panel with survivors like Raveena Tandon and Vinta Nanda. Witnessing their accounts, which he likened to a "horrifying film," led him to feel ashamed of being a man and resulted in prolonged emotional exhaustion and health issues, including a subsequent bypass surgery.