‘IT’S TIME TO EXPOSE BOLLYWOOD’S WEINSTEINS’

There are Harvey Weinsteins in Bollywood, who exploit strugglers, because they’re not held liable for their deeds PAHLAJ NIHALANI, EX-CHIEF, CBFC

Former censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani (left) says people like Harvey Weinstein exist in Bollywood too, and need to be exposed. Weinstein, a popular Hollywood producer, has been accused of sexual harassment and abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie. In a recent interview, actor Priyanka Chopra spoke up about the Weinstein element being prevalent everywhere, including Bollywood. Nihalani concurred, and said, “Priyanka is right. There are Harvey Weinsteins in Bollywood too. They continue to exploit hapless strugglers because they are not held liable for their dirty deeds. This is the time to expose them.” “I’m not talking about actors who do what they do to establish a foothold in the industry. I am talking about aspiring actors being forced to offer sexual favours in exchange for job opportunities. Bollywood has a very clear list of offenders who misuse their position," added Nihalani, who is distributing an upcoming Hindi film that highlights the casting couch menace in Bollywood. Appalled that actors have not come forward to name these offenders, Nihalani now intends to shout out their names at a press conference. “But for that we need victims to come forward. We are in the process of getting together voices of the victims to speak up.” “I’ve always sided with the truth. When you have that on your side, you’ve nothing to fear,” added Nihalani who has produced movies such as Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and Aankhen (1993).

There are more men [like Weinstein] trying to take away power from women all over the world PRIYANKA CHOPRA, ACTOR

PHOTO: CASEY CURRY/INVISION/AP PHOTO: ANDY KROPA/AP Katherine Kendall (left) said that Harvey Weinstein (above) had chased her