Actress Vidya Balan says sexual harassers need to be named and shamed.
“I am very glad that people are talking about it now. Women are talking about it and they should talk about it because it is not their fault. We should name and shame those who are sexually harassing others, undoubtedly,” she said at a promotional event for her upcoming film Tumhari Sulu.
“I think people who have suffered this only know what exactly does it feel like when you’re really in an uncomfortable situation. When someone just rubs or touches you with his hand, sometimes I get really angry. So I think in that sense, there are a lot of degrees in sexual harassment,” she added.
After the Harvey Weinstein controversy led to the disclosure of sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, prominent actors such as Irrfan Khan and Richa Chadha have opened up about the casting couch in the Hindi film industry.
Balan was at the event with the entire Tumhari Sulu team including Neha Dhupia and radio presenter Malishka.
The upcoming slice of life drama recently released a new version of the song Hawa Hawai from the movie Mr India song, which originally featured actress Sridevi.
Balan said that Sridevi liked the song. “After watching the song, Sridevi told me she found me very cute in the song and she found the song lovely, especially the way we did it... [she was] very happy with it. I don’t want to say much, but it would be better if you ask her because I can only tell you this much,” Balan said.
She also said that the response to the movie has been great but she finds it difficult to talk about compliments.
“I always had a problem with this thing.. I am a little hesitant to express someone’s words. Someone sent me a message or told me personally... hopefully quite a few people will turn up at the screening, it would be better if you asked them but so far the response has been good,” she said.
Talking about the songs from the film, Balan said: “Hawa Hawai has got a fantastic response and so has the Ban Ja Tu Meri Rani song. And today we have released one more song, Manva Likes To Fly. I love that song because all of us want to fly on wings of our hearts. So far the response has been fabulous.”
“There is a lot of excitement for the film because we got a fabulous response for the teaser and then we got an even better response for the trailer. And now you watch the film which is even better. We’re excited and promoting the film like anything and still, we are not tired at all,” she added.
Balan also said that she relates to her Tumhari Sulu character, a housewife who unexpectedly lands a job as a radio presenter.
“I can’t call to participate in radio contests, because people know me and they would never give me a gift. Sometimes I do feel like calling as I’d have really interesting and mad answers,” Balan said.
Tumhari Sulu, directed by Suresh Triveni and produced under the banners of T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment, releases in the UAE on November 16.
