Chinmayi Sripada Slams Praise for Nana Patekar After His Demise, Stands Firm With Tanushree Dutta
Chinmayi Sripada has strongly criticized the praise for late actor Nana Patekar, standing firm with Tanushree Dutta's sexual harassment allegations from the 2008 'Horn 'Ok' Pleassss' sets. The singer echoed Sona Mohapatra's call for accountability, stating that death does not erase alleged past misconduct.
The recent demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, due to cardiac arrest in Goa, has reignited the contentious debate surrounding the #MeToo movement in India. While the industry mourns the loss of a celebrated figure, singer Chinmayi Sripada has taken to social media, sternly cautioning against romanticising Patekar's legacy and unequivocally backing actresses Tanushree Dutta and Sona Mohapatra in their assertions of past misconduct. Nana Patekar Death: Final Post-Mortem Report Out, Rules Out Foul Play.
Chinmayi Sripada Backs Tanushree Dutta's Allegations
Chinmayi Sripada's strong stance comes in the wake of renewed discussions surrounding the sexual harassment allegations first levelled by Tanushree Dutta against Nana Patekar in 2008, which gained significant traction during the 2018 #MeToo wave. Dutta had accused Patekar of intimidating and harassing her on the sets of the 2009 film Horn 'Ok' Pleassss, claiming he insisted on incorporating inappropriate intimate dance steps not part of her contract.
She also alleged that Patekar physically grabbed and pushed her, and later called members of a political party who intimidated her and damaged her car when she refused to comply and walked off set. While Patekar consistently denied these allegations, the Mumbai police closed the case in 2019, citing insufficient evidence.
Following Patekar's passing, Tanushree Dutta had controversially referred to him as "Evil Dead," asserting that death does not erase the trauma she endured. This remark drew criticism, but Sripada has publicly questioned why Dutta, as a survivor, should be expected to remain silent or offer polite condolences.
Chinmayi's Support for Sona Mohapatra's Stand
Chinmayi Sripada further amplified her support by reposting a powerful message from fellow singer Sona Mohapatra on X (formerly Twitter). In her post, Mohapatra had shared an assistant director's account describing alleged instances of sexual misconduct by Nana Patekar on the sets of two other films, clarifying these incidents were separate from the Horn 'Ok' Pleassss controversy.
Responding to the outpouring of tributes for Patekar, Sripada wrote, "Those who are constantly singing praises of Nana Patekar need to acknowledge he had molested and it was NOT a one-time behaviour." She emphasised the critical point that demise does not automatically absolve individuals of their alleged past actions. ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’: Madhuri Dixit Remembers Nana Patekar, Late Star Was Set To Appear on Show.
Check Out Chinmayi Sripada's X Post
Those who are constantly singing praises of Nana Patekar need to acknowledge he had molested and it was NOT a one time behavior.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) October 10, 2026
This act of solidarity is not new for the singers. Chinmayi Sripada has been a vocal advocate for the #MeToo movement, frequently supporting Sona Mohapatra, who has also been at the forefront of calling out powerful figures in the industry. Their combined voices continue to highlight the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice for survivors, even as time passes and public memory often shifts towards celebratory narratives post-demise.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2026 11:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
