'I Felt Silence Would Be Very Hypocritical', Farhan Akhtar On Sajid Khan Controversy

Remain silent on Metoo story is very hypocritical

At We The Moment event recently, Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar confessed that Sajid Khan’s controversy left him with a guilty conscience. In detail, the actor had confided that he wasn't aware of Sajid Khan inappropriate behavior toward women. Earlier, three women have named and shamed the Housefull 4 director for sexual harassment. As stories of abuse accumulated in the media and pressure from the public, Sajid Khan announced to step out from his film project Housefull 4.

Also, when the accusations pouring out, and big names taking hits, Farhan Akhtar was one of the first Bollywood celebrities express himself as shocked with the news. Moreover, director Sajid Khan was Farhan’s cousin. The Dil Chahta Hai director, who has been well-known for blunt statement on Sajid Khan sexual harassment accusation said that he felt a sense of responsibility to speak up about the issue.

“When it came to someone within my family, I felt silence on that front would be very, very hypocritical,” Farhan gave a piece of his mind.

In fact, since the first day when three women come forward to reveal their stories, the actor talked to his cousin brother, Sajid Khan to figure out the actual problem. Besides, he tries to find out how Sajid perceive thing that happening and what the reason behind for three women to think they were mistreatment at the hands of the director.

Sexual assault is a crime

After grave sexual harassment allegations against Sajid Khan, Farhan revealed that he had contradictory feelings. That mixed feeling was surprise, disappointment and strangely as the accusation subject to one of his close-knit family member. Apart from that, Farhan felt guilty because he didn’t know anything until the story created all the buzz in media.

However, the actor agreed that an apology couldn’t be sufficient and both parties deserve a fair trial before passing any judgment. And in his mind, to say “sorry” is the first but essential step to do.

“You should know, whatever is being said is true”

“You should know, whatever is being said is true,” some women reach out to him privately to tell their own experience after Sajid Khan’s misbehavior was spread on the Internet. Among these women, there are people he has kept in touch for 15, 20 years, some even are his close friend, but he has never ever heard the story from them. According to him, his friend didn’t feel comfortable and decide to keep the bad memories of their own.

Women should be given the environment and space to tell their Metoo story

Talking about the current issue that some women chose not to disclose their sexual harassment story, the actor said this was based on their own decision. However, every men and women should be given an environment and space for them to have the confidence to tell their story.

And even if the truth was concealed for 10, 20 years or more, people have the right to speak up whenever they want. We The Moment also seen politician Milind Deora and actor Cyrus Broacha in attendance.