After the Malayalam film industry, Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty has made a shocking revelation about serious cases of sexual harassment within the film industry. She has also taken to social media, appealing to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for justice.
Bengali Actress Ritabhari Chakraborty Speaks Out
Referring to the Hema Commission report, which highlighted cases of casting couch and sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, Ritabhari Chakraborty has alleged that many such reports resonate with her own experiences. Amidst ongoing controversies involving Malayalam actors and producers, Ritabhari shook the Bengali film industry by sharing a startling post on her Instagram account late at night. In the post, she tagged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, demanding justice and an investigation.
Exposing Sexual Harassment in the Bengali Film Industry
Ritabhari said, “The Hema Commission’s report exposing sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry made me question why the Bengali film industry has not taken similar steps. Many Bengali actresses may have had similar experiences of sexual harassment, and they deserve to be heard.” She further stated, “Don’t we have a responsibility towards the actresses who come into this industry with beautiful dreams, only to be led to believe that they must exchange their bodies for work?”
Ritabhari’s Revelations Cause a Stir
Tagging the CM, Ritabhari wrote, “@mamataofficial, we also want similar investigations, reports, and reforms.” Without divulging specific details, Ritabhari called for an exposé of the Bengali film industry. She remarked, “Producers and directors with such dirty mindsets and behavior are roaming freely without any fear. Not only that, but after engaging in filthy acts with women, they preach about protecting their dignity. It’s crucial to unmask these predators.”
Controversy in the Bengali Film Industry
A well-known name in Bengal’s tinsel town, Ritabhari has appeared in films like “Chotushkone” (2014), “Once Upon a Time in Kolkata” (2014), “Bawal” (2015), and “Fatafati” (2022). Notably, before Ritabhari’s revelations, veteran Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra had recently accused a prominent Malayalam director of inappropriate touching.