Mumbai/IBNS-CMEDIA: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has criticised actor Tanushree Dutta over her “evil dead” remark following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, describing the phrase as “objectionable, insensitive and shameful”.
Condemning her statement, the association urged Tanushree to exercise restraint while the country mourns the loss of the veteran actor.
“To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity. Until today, no one in our film industry has made such a statement after someone’s passing. You are the first, and we pray you will be the last,” AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said.
“People in this industry know what to say on such an occasion and when to stay silent. You should have kept a check on your tongue,” he added.
Tanushree’s initial reaction to Nana Patekar’s death
In her first response to Patekar’s death on Thursday, Tanushree said she was travelling to Lucknow for a work commitment and wanted to focus on the event before deciding how to react to the news.
Although she did not mention Patekar by name, the actress referred to him as “evil dead” and offered condolences to his family towards the end of the video.
“Maine suna hai. I have heard the news. I just… today is my work day. I am going to Lucknow for an event, and I want to focus on that. What an odd day for all this to happen because I am doing a very big event in Lucknow, and it’s pretty important for me, and I had my entire day planned out,” she said.
She added that she had planned to go live on social media and post content but was concerned that the actor’s death would draw media attention.
“I wanted to do all these lives, post content. Now I am worried that in the evening all the media is going to be interested in this evil dead. So I will give my reaction once I figure out what kind of reactions I should have. So… definitely condolences to the family…” she said.
Tanushree defends ‘evil dead’ remark
Tanushree’s remark comes against the backdrop of her sexual harassment allegations against Patekar over an incident on the sets of the 2008 film Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss.
Following the criticism of her response to the actor’s death, the actress reiterated her remark, citing years of alleged harassment and difficulties following the #MeToo movement. She has also claimed that she faced threats and offers of bribes to withdraw her case.
In a follow-up video posted on Instagram, Tanushree defended her choice of words, saying they reflected her personal experiences.
She urged people criticising her on social media to consider the situation from her perspective.
Calling Patekar “shaitan”, the actress also alleged that she had experienced troubling incidents since 2020, claiming that the public was unaware of the full extent of what she had endured.
“Death does not erase a person’s misdeeds. Everyone is talking about forgiving him, but even God does not forgive without an admission of wrongdoing,” she said.
“When I say ‘evil is dead’, I mean it because that was my reality. This person continued to disturb me even after his death. I don’t need to explain myself, but I urge those on social media posting negative comments against me for ‘likes’ to try and see things from my perspective,” she added.
