‘ We have to make our industry safer for everyone’

The allegations of sexual harassment recently levelled by Tanushree Dutta against veteran actor Nana Patekar have divided the film industry into three groups — those supporting the actress, those supporting Patekar, and those being diplomatic by steering clear of the controversy.

When actor Varun Dhawan was asked for his opinion on the matter, he said he doesn’t have sufficient knowledge, but he admits there is a need to make the industry a safer place for everyone.

“I have been very busy with Sui Dhaaga, so I haven’t heard much about the entire issue. But I feel respect at the workplace is of utmost importance to men, women and children. We have to make our industry safer for everyone and make sure that everyone gets equal respect,” the actor says, adding, “If a person is talking about such an incident openly, I think we should hear that person out. It takes great courage to speak up and I applaud that.” Meanwhile, Varun’s latest release, Sui

Dhaaga, is winning hearts across the

country.

Talking about what he considers to be a “very special film”, he says, “I am very excited. It is for the first time that Anushka Sharma and I have teamed up. When you make a film like Sui Dhaaga, you want good reviews, but also want it to do well at the box office. The blend of art and commerce in the film is great; it’s very special for me.”