MeToo Pioneer Slams Chiranjeevi's 'Casting Couch Myth' Claim

Tanushree Dutta, a pivotal figure in India's 2018 MeToo movement, has responded critically to Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's recent statement suggesting that the casting couch phenomenon is a myth. Dutta stated that Chiranjeevi appears disconnected from the realities faced by women in the film industry, asserting that the experiences of women should not be invalidated by a single statement.

Dutta highlighted that the blame for casting couch experiences is often unfairly placed on women. She explained that predatory men frequently exploit the vulnerabilities of female professionals through manipulation and other tactics, a reality that numerous actresses have encountered throughout their careers. She stressed that not all women have the luxury of a protected home life and must navigate challenging professional environments to earn a living, deserving of dignity.

Expressing disappointment in Chiranjeevi's perspective, Dutta urged him and other influential figures to act as protectors of the vulnerable, not as predators. She suggested that dismissing such serious issues indicates that many in the film industry live in a bubble, prioritizing their comfort over addressing systemic problems. Dutta believes Chiranjeevi could become a true hero by using his position to advocate for a safer workplace for women in the industry.