On one hand, the world is fighting in favour of the #MeToo movement. On the other hand, some people are not (which is a polite way of putting it across). Earlier, popular journalist Vinod Dua, accused of sexual harassment, had said that the media and the government are not asking the right questions at the time of elections but "What is being debated upon is who, how many years ago, sexually harassed whom". Well, add another one to this anti-#MeToo movement brigade because Shatrughan Sinha was interviewed by a news agency.

When asked by IANS to comment on the accusations levelled on his good friend, Subhash Ghai, by several women, Shatrughan said, "What happened to innocent until proven guilty? I am all for the MeToo movement, never in my 40-year career have I misbehaved with any woman. I treat every lady with utmost respect. Having said that, I think this MeToo campaign is being blown out of all proportion," #MeToo in Bollywood: Mumbai Court Objects Alok Nath’s Absence and Orders Him to Be Present During Hearing.

But he clarified his stance further, thankfully, and said, "Anyone can name and shame anyone. Reputations and jobs are being lost through a trial by media. To all the women who are aggrieved I say, please go to court and make sure the wrongdoers are punished,"

Then, when asked if he'd continue to work with Subhash, Shatrughan said that he would if the filmmaker is proven innocent. But he didn't stop there as he added, "Even if he is proven guilty, and he serves the punishment given to him, I'd work with him. Sanjay Dutt served his jail sentence and is back working in our large-hearted film industry. In fact, we had no problem working with him even when he was an accused in a serious case"

Shatrughan Sinha was also asked to comment on the industrywallahs who have sworn to never work with alleged sexual offenders. He responded, " This hypocrisy I can't understand. They have no problem working with Sanjay Dutt who has been convicted. But they want to blacklist people whose guilt is yet to be proven. Just to look like heroes of the MeToo movement." MeToo Allegations Against Anu Malik False, Baseless: Lawyer.

Sanjay Dutt was convicted by the court and put behind bars for 5 years, in May 2013, for illegal possession of arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

But giving credit where it's due, Shatrughan did make an explosive yet controversial point with his next statement. He added, " I don't want to name anyone. But I will say this. Sau choohe khaa kar billi haj ko chali'. Those seeking to perch themselves on a high moral ground should look into their conscience. The problem of sexual exploitation doesn't end with some names being put out in the social media. This is just the beginning. The problem runs much deeper."

This would not be the first time Shatrughan Sinha, whose daughter Sonakshi Sinha is a heroine in the film industry herself, as said something that can be deemed offensive. Back in April, he had defended choreographer Saroj Khan's unsavoury remarks on casting couch. "Neither Saroj Khan nor Renuka Chowdhary is wrong. Sexual favours are demanded and given in both the entertainment world and in politics. It's an old and time-tested way of getting ahead in life. 'You please me I'll please you'." he had said.

He further added, "I completely agree with both Saroj and Renuka. I know the kind of compromises girls have to make to get into films. Perhaps Sarojji has herself gone through her own pain and humiliation."

Call it a silver lining but Shatruhan did castigate the practice of casting couch by saying "Condemn those who create a situation where girls and boys feel they have to compromise to get ahead in life". But again, added, ""What happens on the couch or wherever two people come together, is a matter of personal choice. No one is forcing any girl or boy to lie down on the couch. You have something to give and you are offering it to someone who is interested. Where is the coercion or compulsion?"

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2018 05:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).