Superstar Akshay Kumar, who has never been known to cancel a film shoot in his 28-year distinguished Bollywood career, just expressed his support to the raging #MeToo movement by calling off today’s shoot of the comedy Housefull 4 that is being directed by Sajid Khan and co-stars Nana Patekar. Both, the director and veteran actor have grave allegations of sexual harassment leveled against them by artistes and people related to the film industry.
Akshay was on a short break with his family in Italy when #MeToo happened in our country.
The first thing the actor did on his return last night was get a clear and absolute understanding of what was happening. He then decided to get fully on the side of the #MeToo survivors until a proper decision is taken on the sexual charges leveled against his Housefull 4 director and co-star by cancelling today’s shoot of the film in Mumbai. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala had erected a huge set costing about Rs. 14 crore in Lokhandwala for the fourth schedule of his comedy franchise that was to begin today.
Until Akshay put his foot down despite the fact that, both, Sajid Khan and Nana Patekar are very good friends of his. But those knowing Akshay will vouch for his absolute professionalism and the belief that this sort of thing is not done. Almost 60 per cent of the film is already complete.
Akshay’s decision was followed by a tweet from his wife and bestselling author Twinkle Khanna who said, “Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in Housefull needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on.”
Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in Housefull needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on.
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) October 12, 2018
The women she was referring to are Tanushree Dutta who launched the #MeToo movement with her allegations against Nana Patekar and actress Rachel White, assistant director Saloni Chopra and journalist Karishma Upadhyay who exposed the sexual harassment they faced by Sajid Khan.
