#MeToo is a wave in the ocean that shouldn’t be back to normal: Mandana
Actor-model and a former reality show contestant, Mandana Karimi recently came out with her #MeToo account and spoke of facing sexual harassment at the hands of filmmakers Sajid Khan and Umesh Ghagde. She hopes that the #MeToo wave continues and action is taken.
“I have told everyone about my experience and what I went through. At this point, I just want to see this movement bring about a change in India. It’s a wave in the ocean that should not be back to normal,” says Mandana, adding she wants to see more and more people coming out and talking about their stories of being harassed. “And not just Bollywood, I am talking about other industries too,” says the actor, who has been a part of films such as Bhaag Johnny (2015), Main Aur Charles (2015) and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 (2016).
On why women feel scared and don’t name the predators despite going though so much trauma, Mandana says, “I spoke about it after so many years. It takes so much energy out of you. But it’s better to talk about it and just take it out of your system.”
Though she agrees sexual harassment at the workplace has been there for years, she says women should stop being vulnerable. “No one should take it for granted that harassment is a part of the film industry, and one has to sleep around to get work,” she maintains.
Several people who were accused were either made to step down from their projects or took a backseat on their own. Asked if she’s happy to see the repercussions, Mandana says, “Of course it makes me happy that such an action is actually being taken. This might help in changing things and people will think before they do anything.”
The actor adds since she came out with her story, her “family and friends have been really supportive and feel proud of me” and she doesn’t care “about the nasty comments”.