Renuka Shahane reveals harassment attempt in Indian film industry

ISLAMABAD: Indian actress Renuka Shahane has revealed another disturbing incident of harassment within Bollywood, shedding light on the pressures women continue to face in the entertainment industry.

Speaking to Zoom TV, Renuka Shahane recalled that a sari businessman once visited her home and made a shocking proposal — asking her to endorse his brand while suggesting that, as part of the payment, she would need to stay with a producer. The 59-year-old actress said she immediately rejected the offer, while her mother was left stunned.

Shahane noted that refusing such demands is often difficult, as women risk being removed from projects or denied payments. She added that certain individuals in the industry retaliate by instructing others not to cast actresses who do not comply with such advances.

The actress stressed that she was not the only target. Prominent actress Raveena Tandon also faced similar harassment and would sometimes change her room on film sets to avoid being tracked or troubled.

Although the incident Shahane shared took place years ago and the identity of the person involved was never disclosed, her account highlights the ongoing exploitation and unethical pressure faced by women in India’s entertainment industry.

Sexual harassment is not only limited to film industry in India but there are reports reflecting on the Indian Army as well who are reportedly involved into this social curse.

In this regard, the Indian Army, long celebrated as a symbol of discipline and patriotism, has repeatedly failed to protect its women officers from sexual harassment, assault, and intimidation.

Reports from 2015 to 2025 reveal deep-rooted systemic corruption and a culture of impunity that leave women vulnerable even as they serve the nation.