Actress Tanushree Dutta has spoken about her controversial reaction to the reported death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, whom she previously accused of sexual harassment. In an exclusive interview with, Tanushree described him as a “Shaitaan” (devil) and explained why she used the phrase “evil dead” in a video she shared following reports of his demise on Thursday, October 8.
Reflecting on her experiences in the five years following the #MeToo movement, Tanushree said that only she truly understands what she went through during that period. Her remarks came amid renewed attention to the allegations she had made against the actor.
Tanushree Dutta Recalls Pressure to Withdraw the Case
Discussing the legal battle and the difficulties she faced, Tanushree claimed that considerable pressure was put on her to withdraw the case. She said she refused to back down despite the challenges and continued to stand by her allegations.
According to the actress, attempts were also made to persuade her with money. When those efforts failed, she alleged that other methods were used to intimidate her.
Recalling several disturbing incidents, Tanushree told, “The brakes of my car were cut. I had an accident, food poisoning. The thing that I have gone through, for me, the evil dead is only.”
She said her reaction should be understood in the context of the experiences she claims to have endured over the years.
Actress Raises Questions About the Court Proceedings
Tanushree also spoke about the proceedings in her case, claiming that the matter was closed on the day evidence from a key witness was due to be submitted before the court.
She explained that it had taken five years to persuade the witness to come forward, adding that the woman had allegedly received threats. The witness, who worked as Tanushree’s hairdresser, had reportedly submitted an affidavit in court supporting the actress’s account.
“Our prime witness, who was my hairdresser, had given an affidavit in court, saying that whatever madam is saying, I have seen it with my own eyes,” Tanushree told.
The actress expressed her views on the judicial process in India, arguing that the closure of a case does not necessarily establish who was right or wrong.
“We live in India. Here, it is not necessary that the one who wins is right. Here, no one won. The judge closed the case. But that does not mean that I was not right and he was not wrong,” she said.
Tanushree Reiterates Allegations Against Nana Patekar
Explaining her strong words about Nana Patekar, Tanushree described the actor as egoistic and alleged that the harassment she experienced continued over time.
“He was a very egoistic man, and God has taken his life because he was not stopping. He was harassing me constantly,” she said.
The controversy dates back to the shooting of the film Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss, when Tanushree accused Nana Patekar of allegedly misbehaving with her on set. She subsequently filed a police complaint against the actor.
Nana Patekar denied the allegations, describing them as false. The dispute later became one of the prominent cases associated with India’s #MeToo movement, bringing renewed attention to Tanushree’s claims and the legal proceedings that followed.