Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has been criticised on social media for making comments perceived to be trivialising the #MeToo movement.
She has in turn blamed "bad editing" of her interview for the controversy.
The movement, which began in Hollywood a year ago, has seen thousands sharing their stories of sexual harassment.
In recent months, #MeToo has been gaining momentum in India with women calling out comedians, journalists, authors, actors and filmmakers.
Although Zinta is no longer very active in Bollywood, a few years ago she was at the top of the industry and starred as the leading lady in films with superstars Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan - so there remains a lot of interest in what she says.
Her controversial comments were made during a video interview she recently gave to the entertainment website Bollywood Hungama.
In recent weeks, many actors and actresses have spoken out in support of survivors of sexual harassment; and celebrities are regularly being asked to clarify their stand on #MeToo, so it's surprising that Ms Zinta came to this interview completely unprepared, says the BBC's Geeta Pandey in Delhi.
#MeToo firestorm consumes Bollywood and media
Is Bollywood having its #MeToo moment?
Bollywood actress who began India #MeToo firestorm
On being asked if she had personally experienced any harassment, she began giggling before answering, "No, I haven't, I wish I had... [Then] I would have an answer to tell you."
She then went on to say that it was "a very relevant question because people treat you the way you want to be treated" - a comment that many said amounted to "victim shaming".
Earlier in the interview, the actress said it was "important that the #MeToo movement had started", but then went on to add that she felt bad "when women are using it when it's not that serious or for personal vendetta or publicity and diluting the movement".
The video of her interview went viral on social media with many accusing her of mocking the #MeToo movement:
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSuch a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. Lemon squeezers online
ReplyDelete