Nana Patekar may be rude, but he wouldn’t have misbehaved with Tanushree Dutta: Raj Thackeray

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came out in support of actor Nana Patekar against sexual harassment charges by actress Tanushree Dutta. He (Nana) might be arrogant and does crazy things, but he wouldn't have done anything like that, said Thackeray in a recent television interview in Amravati, Maharashtra at an event.

“Women must definitely complain about harassment or indecent behaviour by men, but such accusations must not be made 10 years later,” the MNS chief said.

Last month, actor Tanushree Dutta opened a can of worms when she accused Nana Patekar of harassing her on the sets of 2008 film Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss. Dutta had alleged that the actor had come too close for comfort while filming a special number for the film. She also accused Patekar of getting intimate dance steps introduced in the choreography even when it was not required.

Dutta alleged further that when she protested, MNS goons tried to vandalise her car. The MNS on its part cited no



involvement in the incident.

“I know Nana Patekar. He talks rudely some times and may be arrogant. He does crazy things, but I don't think he can do such a thing. I don’t think he would’ve misbehaved with her. The court will look into it. What does the media has to do with it? #MeToo is a serious matter, and the debate over it on Twitter isn't right,” Raj said in the interview.

“If all this is happening in the film industry, then wouldn’t have legends like Lata Mangeshkar faced such issues. When Lataji was 15 years old and entered the film industry, a lyricist troubled her. When she complained, the director removed her. This is what Lataji told me when I interviewed her,” Raj said.

“Our legal system and courts are competent to resolve such issues. Let the courts decide who is guilty and who is not. I think the Me Too movement is being used to divert attention other issues like fuel price hike, inflation and the falling value of the rupee. The BJP can do anything,” Raj said.