Did Irrfan Khan hint at almost being a victim to Indian version of Harvey Weinstein?

Ever since the allegations against Harvey Weinstein have come to the forefront, everybody has been speaking about how cases of sexual harassment are limited not just to Hollywood, but Bollywood too. So, in a recent press interaction with Irrfan Khan, he was asked, in relation to the incident, if such things happen in Bollywood too.

Here’s what he replied, “You do experience such kind of incidents here as well. Such invitations do make their way to many people. As long as you have the liberty to say a ‘No’ to such kind of an offer, it’s okay. A person may provide an offer to you saying that ‘I want to sleep with you. If you agree to it, then I will provide you with work.’ So you will find such kind of invitations and offers come your way, be it a man or a woman. But yes, if someone is forcing themselves on you, then it’s completely wrong. But I feel that if I’m compromising with someone for some sort of a motive, then it’s my choice also that I don’t want to do it. But yes, if there is a person who is repeatedly doing such things with people, then he should be exposed.” (Also Read: ‘Justice has been served in the right order’, Irrfan Khan on Aarushi Talwar case)

He further said, “Sexual exploitation is a disease in itself. It depicts the harsh reality of a society. Also, when you talk about sexual exploitation, then the one who has more power will exploit the one with lesser power. Exploitation is not the key power. Exploitation is suppression. People should be allowed to mingle. The government or any other body is no one to pass judgements. If you want to stay with 10 partners, that’s your individual choice.” When asked if this has happened with him, he said, “Yes, this has happened with me too, although I wouldn’t like to take any names. However, I have been given such offers and told that only if I agree to compromise, I will get work. But, now this doesn’t happen.”

Quite a revelation!

Prajakta Ajgaonkar

Passionate about writing, and a Bollywood lover, she is all that is sweet and endearing! She desires to put her best foot forward in everything that she does and loves to help anyone who’s in need.