Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 1, 2019)

Alok Nath who was accused of rape by producer-writer Vinta Nanda last October, and a month later expelled by Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) till further notice after a no-show at the body’s meeting on November 12, recently shot for a film, interestingly titled #Main Bhi (#MeToo in Hindi). The actor plays a judge who takes a strong stand against sexual harassment.

When contacted by Mirror, the 62-year-old actor confirmed the news, saying, “I’m not doing any films at the moment. This was something I shot for a while ago.”

He added, “Is there a problem? You sound sad that I’m doing a film. It’s a puny role for poor producers, let it release.”

Actor Khalid Siddiqui who plays one of the leads in the Nasir Khan-directed film, along with Shawar Ali and Imran Khan, informed that Alok Nath is playing a judge, who, at the end of the film, gives a speech about how molestation is wrong. Veteran actors Mukesh Khanna and Shahbaz Khan play the lawyers.

“The film deals with child molestation, a subject that hasn’t been tapped on screen often, particularly with regard to boys. My character, along with the other, are affected by incidents that change our lives. We hope the film starts a debate on the subject,” added Khalid. The film was shot in Bhopal with Sonali Raut as the female lead.

In October last year, a rape case was registered against Alok Nath by the Mumbai Police on a complaint filed by Vinta Nanda who accused him of raping her twice nearly two decades ago when they were working on the TV show Tara. After that, other actresses like Sandhya Mridul, Himani Shivpuri and Deepika Amin also came out with similar allegations against the actor, sharing their ordeals. He denied the allegations and his wife Ashu moved court against Vinta. The actor was granted anticipatory bail. 

The murder of Pak model Qandeel Baloch, known for her risqué selfies and bold statements shook up her celebrity counterparts here. This is what they had to say...
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 18, 2016)



"My family and my brother do shout at me. But they won’t kill me, at least": Poonam Pandey
“I still cannot believe this, to be very honest. But I am shocked, I don’t understand Why did they killed her? Was she a criminal? What was her crime? Thank God I am Indian and we are tolerant. My family and my brother do shout at me. But they won’t kill me, at least. My family sometimes react a lot maximum they will not talk to me for two days. They won’t sit with me for dinner, maximum they will ask me ‘Ye drama kab tak chalega’ No threats ever..”

"When will human beings stop placing the burden of their ‘honour’ in the fate of their girls": Dia Mirza
Honour killing is the result of patriarchy and a misplaced idea of masculinity/power. The thought that someone can kill another person because they do not agree with the person’s choices is that misplaced idea of power/superiority men have over women that needs to be weeded out of society. I had heard of Qandeel and knew that she drew attention for her videos on the internet. It is most unfortunate that she had to lose her life at a young age like this. When will human beings stop placing the burden of their ‘honour’ in the fate of their girls? It is deeply disturbing.


"No honour can ever be above humanity": Sherlyn Chopra
Honour killing is one of the many false premises that exist globally. My heartfelt condolences to the victim. The greatest freedom is to be oneself and the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. I condemn those who justify such killings in the name of honour. No honour can ever be above humanity. I feel deeply sorry for Qandeel, who has been murdered for choosing to live her life on her own terms. I haven’t seen her videos but I got to know that she was an internet sensation as she was very bold and beautiful. May her soul rest in peace.


"She was not normal, but I don’t support her brother killing her": Shawar Ali
I have seen her videos and had heard about she wanting to do a strip dance if the Pakistani cricket team won. I think the things she said were not right. She was not normal — she needed some kind of psychiatric help. But I don’t support her brother killing her. I have two sisters and I know what I feel for them. What happened is really sad.

"You can’t take the law in your own hands. In fact, forget the law, c’mon ya, she’s your sister": Maheck Chahal
No matter what the reason is, nobody has the right to take anybody’s life, especially if it’s like your family member, your brother, your father, your sister. Nobody has the right to take anybody else’s life. You can do whatever you want. He could have taken the legal route if it’s against the religion, culture or whatever the reason is. You can’t take the law in your own hands. In fact, forget the law, c’mon ya, she’s your sister!”

"So many girls expose, why is it seen under bad light": Rakhi Sawant
This is ridiculous. Her brother has no right to end her life. I think, the Pakistani police should do detailed investigation. I don’t think just because of her ang pradarshan anyone should kill her. Nowhere in Quran you will find any such rule. I feel very sad for this girl. Her future was so bright. There are so many actresses from Pakistan who have come down to India like Veena Malik. Where is it written that girls have no freedom to live? Can’t they take charge of their own lives? There are so many girls who expose, but why is it always seen under bad light?