Alok Nath rejects IFTDA notice, faces action

Actor Alok Nath has refused to respond to a notice issued to him by the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) regarding writer-director Vinta Nanda’s claim that he sexually violated her 19 years ago. IFTDA has now decided to take strong action against him. IFTDA had sent a notice to Alok on October 10. Alok’s advocate Ashok Sarogi told IFTDA that there was “no complaint” with police or legal authorities.

As many as 11 women filmmakers have come together to support the #MeToo movement in India, saying they have taken a stand to not work with proven offenders. Alankrita Shrivastava, Gauri Shinde, Kiran Rao, Konkona Sensharma, Meghna Gulzar, Nandita Das, Nitya Mehra, Reema Kagti, Ruchi Narain, Shonali Bose and Zoya Akhtar are among the directors who have taken the stand, according to a note circulated by them on social media. “As women and filmmakers, we come together to support the #MeToolndia movement. We are in solidarity with women who have come forward with honest accounts of harassment and assault. Our respect and admiration to them, as their courage has started a revolution of welcome change. We are here to spread awareness to help create a safe and equal atmosphere for all in the workplace. We have also taken a stand to not work with proven offenders. We urge all our peers in the industry to do the same,” the note read.