Tanushree Dutta's career stalled after #MeToo allegations

Tanushree Dutta, a former Miss India, had a promising start in the film industry. She first gained fame in 2005 after starring in a movie that included an intimate scene with actor Emraan Hashmi. This performance received positive reviews and marked her debut, but her career did not follow the same upward trajectory as some of her fellow beauty queens. Born in 1981, Tanushree represented India at the Miss Universe pageant in 2004, finishing as the sixth runner-up. Despite her initial success, she faced a significant setback following allegations of sexual harassment against actor Nana Patekar in 2018. Dutta had first made her accusations in 2008, but they went largely unnoticed at the time. The case concluded in 2019 when Patekar was cleared of the charges. Since the controversy, Dutta's opportunities in film have dwindled. In an interview in October 2024, she spoke about how her principles led her to decline several projects. One notable offer came from a well-known producer, but the director involved was accused in the #MeToo movement, which prompted her refusal. Dutta stated that adhering to her values has cost her potential work and that she has not acted in a long time. She also recounted another incident where she turned down a Bengali film because she felt it would appear as if she was supporting someone accused in the #MeToo movement. Dutta emphasized that she wants to maintain her integrity in a challenging environment and seeks to stand firm on her beliefs.