Nana Patekar’s son Malhar breaks silence on Tanushree Dutta’s ‘Evil Dead’ remark: Here’s what he said
New Delhi: Nana Patekar and Tanushree Dutta’s controversy has resurfaced following the veteran actor’s death, with his son, Malhar Patekar, responding to the renewed discussion around the sexual harassment allegations. In an interview, Malhar questioned why the matter was being raised again, stating that the legal proceedings had already concluded.
Malhar Patekar responds to Tanushree Dutta controversy
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Malhar addressed the issue without naming Tanushree directly. He said the case had already been closed and questioned the continued discussion surrounding it.
“Without naming anyone, I want to say that the case people are bringing up unnecessarily is already over. The judiciary cleared him; the case is over, but people are still speaking. I will not say anything to such people; God bless them.”
The remarks come after Tanushree spoke publicly about her experiences following the allegations and used the phrase ‘evil dead’ in an Instagram Story after Nana Patekar’s death. Her comments triggered criticism and debate on social media.
What Tanushree Dutta alleged against Nana Patekar
Tanushree, a former Miss India Universe, accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment and intimidation on the sets of the 2009 film Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss. Her allegations in 2018 became a prominent moment in India’s #MeToo movement.
The veteran actor denied the allegations. An FIR was registered against him in 2018, but the case was closed in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.
Following Nana Patekar’s death, Tanushree initially said she was unsure how to respond. She later posted a video on social media describing the impact the controversy had allegedly had on her life.
“People don’t know the state I have been in since the #MeToo movement. The girl who used to work out five days a week, who used to roam around the world without fear, I never had any security issues and no trouble travelling anywhere. After #MeToo, such incidents have happened to me that I can’t even narrate them here on Instagram. Your face will be wet with shame. People don’t know what all has happened to me,” she said.
Tanushree also alleged that she had faced threats and intimidation in the years after the controversy. Recounting an incident she said took place in 2024, she added, “In 2024, someone cut the brakes of my car. The goons used to follow me everywhere after the #MeToo movement.”
She also claimed she was 24 when the alleged incident involving Nana took place.
Nana Patekar dies at 75
Nana Patekar, whose career spanned several decades in Indian cinema, died in Goa on October 8 following a cardiac arrest. He was 75. He was accorded a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
The renewed debate following his death has brought the earlier allegations and Tanushree’s subsequent claims back into public discussion, with Malhar’s response adding another dimension to the controversy.