Radhika Apte on sexual abuse: I think it starts from us putting our foot down and saying ‘no’
| Nov 17, 2017, 16:08 IST
The topic of sexual harassment has turned into the talk of the town in both the Hollywood and the Bollywood film industries. The issue first surfaced after a media house published a story in October revealing numerous accusations of sexual abuse against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Soon after this, many celebrities in Bollywood too started talking about being sexually harassed at some point in their lives.
But why are there no names being taken? On this, actress Radhika Apte said, “Because of fear, because people who have great ambitions are afraid. They think of what will happen to them if they take somebody’s name who has so much power. That’s what I am saying. Everybody has to speak up.” She also added that sexual abuse does not only happen in showbiz. "Sexual abuse takes place in every alternate household. So it’s not a part of just the film industry. You have so much child abuse, domestic abuse everywhere in the world, including India,” Radhika said.
She further added, “It’s also towards men, little boys and everybody. People exploit their power at every level.” She asserted that this needs to change. “I think it starts from us putting our foot down and saying ‘no’ to things, however big your ambition is. You need to be brave about it, believe in your own talent, say ‘no’ and start speaking up because if one person speaks up, nobody is going to listen to him or her. But if 10 people do, then others would (listen to them),” she said.
Credits: Hindustan Times
But why are there no names being taken? On this, actress Radhika Apte said, “Because of fear, because people who have great ambitions are afraid. They think of what will happen to them if they take somebody’s name who has so much power. That’s what I am saying. Everybody has to speak up.” She also added that sexual abuse does not only happen in showbiz. "Sexual abuse takes place in every alternate household. So it’s not a part of just the film industry. You have so much child abuse, domestic abuse everywhere in the world, including India,” Radhika said.
She further added, “It’s also towards men, little boys and everybody. People exploit their power at every level.” She asserted that this needs to change. “I think it starts from us putting our foot down and saying ‘no’ to things, however big your ambition is. You need to be brave about it, believe in your own talent, say ‘no’ and start speaking up because if one person speaks up, nobody is going to listen to him or her. But if 10 people do, then others would (listen to them),” she said.
Credits: Hindustan Times