Tanushree Dutta exclusive: 'They cut my vehicle brakes, poisoned my food, and I fear for my life now'

Dubai: Bollywood actress and OG MeToo whistleblower from Hindi film industry, Tanushree Dutta says she fears for her life and well-being after years of alleged harassment, sabotage, and intimidation.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, she opens up about the circumstances behind her emotional viral video, what she's endured since going public in 2018, and how she’s trying to protect herself today.

“That video came out of frustration,” she says. “It was a momentary breakdown.”

In 2018, Tanushree Dutta made national headlines when she alleged inappropriate behaviour by actor Nana Patekar on the sets of the 2008 film Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss. The episode helped spark India’s version of the global MeToo movement and encouraged many women in the entertainment industry to share their stories.

In March 2025, a magistrate court in Mumbai disposed of the case related to Dutta’s allegations, citing a delay of more than ten years in filing the FIR. The court noted that no application to condone the delay had been submitted and that, due to this procedural lapse, it could not take cognizance of the complaint. A B-summary report filed by police stated that the complaint was ‘maliciously false’, but the court clarified that since it could not proceed due to the limitation period, it could not examine the report on its merits either.

Dutta, however, has continued to maintain that she has faced retaliation and harassment since coming forward. In this interview, she describes a series of troubling incidents that she believes were part of a campaign to discredit and silence her.

Dutta says her safety has been compromised multiple times over the past few years.

“Twice, my auto brakes were cut. I had an accident in Ujjain when I had gone for a religious pilgrimage in 2022. It was a deep flesh wound. I was on crutches for months. I was scared to go on highways because if something happened at high speed, it could have been fatal.”

“There were attempts to lure me into hotel rooms under false pretenses. There were six men waiting. I didn’t go in. I knew something was wrong the moment I saw them.”

She describes being surveilled and targeted across cities and hotel rooms.

“My emails were hacked. They knew where I was going, where I was staying. My food was being tampered with. I stopped ordering room service. I only ate at the buffet.”

“I couldn’t even trust house help. I started doing all my housework myself.”

Despite planning to file a new complaint this Monday along with her lawyer in Mumbai, Dutta says her past experiences with law enforcement have made her hesitant.

“I’ll go to the police station with my legal team. But in 2008 and again in 2018, the police weren't on my side. Each time I filed a complaint, it backfired.”

“I’m not stupid to keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.”

After returning to India in 2020, Dutta says her acting career was systematically obstructed.

“Four to five projects were sabotaged. One producer ran away to Bhutan. I believe there was a lobby ensuring I don’t return to the limelight.”

“Me making a comeback would have looked like a victory for MeToo — they didn’t want that.”

Dutta shares that the emotional toll has impacted her health and daily life.

“I am struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome. I’m tired all the time. I have no maid. I clean, I cook, I take care of my cat. I don’t have the luxury to fall apart.” The sad part, she adds: “I can’t go mad. I meditate. I pray. I compartmentalise my mind.”

She clarifies that her viral video was not posted out of panic — but out of emotional exhaustion.

“When the cop came to my house, he saw the mess and said, ‘Ma’am, what is this?’ I told him, ‘I’ve been unwell for 40 days. I do everything myself.’ That moment hurt me. My house used to be photo-shoot ready. That’s when I cried.”“I posted it thinking it might reach someone who could help. I didn’t expect it to go viral.”

Despite the personal toll, Dutta says she stands by her decision to speak publicly in 2018.

“I don’t regret whistleblowing. If they stop targeting me, I’ll stop talking. I’m not someone who wants to keep shouting. But I’ve been pushed.”“I just want peace. I don’t fear death. I respond — I don’t react. I’ve kept my wits about me.”