"These are traumas that you can’t get over."
We live in an era where sexually abused people are finding the courage to speak up and tell their stories.
Survivors are being given louder voices to speak, while listeners consume their trauma with sharper ears.
In the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, it is easy to disconnect celebrities from human beings.
However, some of these famous people have also endured such tragic trauma.
In 2018, the tidal wave of #MeToo broke out in India, where more and more survivors began narrating the incidents in which they have been the victim of predatory behaviour.
This movement is prevalent in the Indian film industry, where Bollywood celebrities also started to break their silence and unmask perpetrators.
#MeToo is somewhat of a double-edged sword in Bollywood, as the celebrity speaking out often risks being accused of seeking publicity or financial gain.
There is also an unfortunate notion that some actors must submit to abuse to obtain work in the industry. This is known as the ‘casting couch’.
A hierarchy is therefore created within the equation.
Keeping the essential act of speaking out alive, DESIblitz lists some actors who have been sexually abused and who have admirably shared incidents from which they emerged as the survivors.
Neena Gupta
Veteran actress Neena Gupta is a popular face when it comes to yesteryear Bollywood actresses.
She started her career in the ’80s and her book Sach Kahun Toh: An Autobiography (2021) is an enriching read for fans.
In the book, Neena delves into an unfortunate incident where she faces sexual abuse from a doctor. Neena writes:
“One time I visited a doctor for an eye infection.
“My brother, who was accompanying me, was asked to sit in the waiting room.
“The doctor started with examining my eye and then went down to check out other areas that were unconnected with my eye.
“I was scared stiff while it was happening and felt disgusted all the way home.
“I sat in a corner in the house and cried my eyes out when nobody was looking.”
Neena continues to admit her hesitance and fear in telling her mother about the abuse:
“I didn’t dare tell my mother about this because I was so scared that she would say that it was my fault.
“That I had probably said or done something to provoke him. This happened to me many times at the doctor’s.
“If I told my mom I didn’t want to go to them, she would ask me why, and I would have to tell her.
“I didn’t want this because I felt very scared and ashamed of what had been done to me. I wasn’t the only one.
“Many girls in those days who suffered abuse chose to keep quiet rather than tell their parents about it.
“We didn’t dare complain to our parents because that would mean that the little freedom we had would be taken away.”
Akshay Kumar
When one thinks of sexually abused Bollywood celebrities, they often picture actresses.
However, this is not only a misconception but also an increasingly problematic generalisation. Male actors too can fall victim to such behaviour.
Akshay Kumar opens up on the abuse he suffered in a lift as a child, as well as the long-term effect the incident has had on him:
“When I was six, I was on my way to a neighbour’s house when the lift man touched my butt.
“I was really agitated and told my father about it. He filed a police complaint.
“Investigations revealed that the lift-man was a history sheeter. The cops took action and the man was arrested.
“I was a shy kid and was relieved that I could speak about this to my parents.
“But even today, I find it difficult to say the word ‘bum’.”
These recollections not only display the bravery of Akshay in telling his parents, but they also depict the vital importance of having open and supportive parents.
Akshay has been known to advocate in support of sexual abuse survivors.
He was one of the first people to voice his anger when Zaira Wasim was allegedly assaulted on a flight in 2018.
Anurag Kashyap
Anurag Kashyap is best known for his work as a Bollywood director.
However, he has also dabbled in acting too.
He has performed in films including No Smoking (2007), Luck By Chance (2009) and Bhoothnath Returns (2014).
Not many are aware of the filmmaker’s horrendous childhood when he was a victim to sexual abuse for 11 years. Detailing the incident, Anurag says:
“I’ve been a victim of child abuse for 11 long years.
“I met him after many years. He wasn’t some dirty old man.”
“He was 22 when he abused me. He was guilt-ridden when we met.
“I decided to put the whole nightmare behind me and move on.
“But it wasn’t easy. I came to Mumbai brimming with angst, bitterness and a sense of violation and isolation.”
Anurag went on to thank Kalki Koechlin for helping him heal:
“Thanks to the love of my life, Kalki Koechlin, I am completely cured of my acrimony.”
Preity Zinta
Within the spotlight of Bollywood, Preity Zinta is an actress who does not keep quiet or shy away from expressing her opinion.
The much-loved star has been candid about the molestation she suffered as a young woman in Delhi. She reflects:
“So, in school, I went to girl school, there is no eve-teasing and all there.
“There were only Eves. But yes, when I went to Delhi, Yes! I’ve got my butt pinched.
“I was that, you know pink cheeks, very light skin and everybody would be like, ‘Ooh’, and then they’d try to tease me and stuff.
“And then I slapped a couple guys here and there.
“And then I think one day my brother told me, ‘You are going to get killed, don’t get into all this’.
“Then I moved to Mumbai and Mumbai was great.”
Before marrying Gene Goodenough in 2016, Preity was in a high-profile relationship with Ness Wadia.
After they split, the star accused Ness of abusing her:
“During that time, [Ness] tried to abuse me and used extremely derogatory language and tried to behave in a manner where I was put to shame in front of my colleagues, friends and family.”
This led to a publicised court case in 2014, in which Preity contends:
“Mr Ness Wadia had intimidated me by saying that he could make me disappear as I was a nobody and only an actress and he’s a powerful person.
“I say that I have been tried to be very normal and nice to him as I wanted peace in my life.”
Kubbra Sait
Sexual abuse is a terrifying experience regardless of who the culprit is.
However, what if it happens at the hands of someone whom the victim is supposed to trust?
Kubbra Sait shines with glory in Sacred Games (2018) as Kukoo.
She has also starred in Bollywood films including Ready (2011) and Gully Boy (2019).
The actress was forced to endure an act of molestation by a family friend at the age of 17, which left her shaken. Kubbra explains:
“He drove down and took me to the hotel. He stroked my face and murmured about how tired I looked.
“Then, he kissed my lips. I was shocked and confused, but I couldn’t utter a word.”
“This was not supposed to happen, but it was happening. I should have screamed, but I could not.
“I should have run for help, but I was shell-shocked. The kiss grew.
“He convinced me it was what I wanted, that it would make me feel better.
“He kept repeating it until I felt deafened, and then he unbuckled his trousers.
“I was unsure of what exactly was happening, but I remember thinking, ‘I am losing my virginity’.
“It was a big deal, but it was also my shameful secret. Not the kind you could giggle and tell your girlfriends about.”
The silence that comes with the abuse is part of the ordeal, that the abuser creates.
Kubbra should be applauded for breaking this silence and opening up about her story.
Kalki Koechlin
Kalki Koechlin is a great actress who has appeared in the likes of Dev D (2009), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Goldfish (2023).
The star has often been vocal about the prejudice she has faced in Bollywood.
Kalki is also a laudable survivor of sexual abuse. She speaks about how someone had sex with her when she was only nine years old:
“The reason I spoke out about my sexual abuse is not to get people to feel sorry for me but to give others who have had similar circumstances the confidence to talk about it.
“I allowed someone to have sex with me at the age of nine, not understanding fully what it meant and my biggest fear after was that my mother would find out.
“I felt it was my mistake and so I kept it hidden for years.”
The actress also stresses the importance of removing the taboo that exists around sexually abused victims. She adds:
“If I had had the confidence or awareness to confide in my parents it would have saved me years of complexes about my own sexuality.
“It’s important that parents remove the taboo around the words ‘sex’ or ‘private parts’ so kids can speak openly and be saved from potential abuse.
“I don’t think a public platform is the only way to talk about child sexual abuse.
“I think sometimes it’s important to speak about it and break the silence.
“Other times it’s important to have a place to go to where you can trust somebody whether it be a psychiatrist, a family member, or a social set-up, an organisation which helps when you talk about these things.
“The problem is we don’t have these trusted areas to go.”
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Since 2007, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s name has sparkled like a pearl within the Indian film industry.
Her outgoing performances, her onscreen charm and her relatable off-screen humour all make her the popular celebrity she is.
However, Sonam is also a survivor of a degrading incident that occurred when she was a teenager.
The scene of the crime is the Gaiety Galaxy Theatre in Mumbai, where Sonam had gone to watch a film with some friends.
Recounting the happenings of that day, Sonam says:
“Everybody goes through some sort of sexual abuse in their childhood.
“I know I have been molested when I was younger and it was traumatising.
“I didn’t speak about it for two years or three years and I remember the incident so clearly.
“There was a man who came from behind and just held my breasts like that.
“And obviously, I didn’t have breasts at that time.
“I started shaking and shivering and I didn’t know what was going on and I started crying right there.
“I didn’t speak about it and just sat there and I finished watching the film.
“Because I felt that I’d done something wrong for the longest time.”
Sonam adds that she was only 13 years old when this condemnable episode took place.
The star became a happily married woman in 2018 and she is a mother. She is also a fine actress of her generation.
She has only come out stronger from the abuse.
Deepika Padukone
In the effervescent world of filmdom, few actresses light up the screen quite like Deepika Padukone.
Her personal life is almost as much under the spotlight as her glistening career.
After a much-publicised romance with Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika found love in Ranveer Singh.
They tied the knot in 2018. In February 2024, news of her first pregnancy delighted millions.
Similar to Sonam, Deepika was also a teenager when she faced sexual assault. Delving into it, she utters:
“I remember one evening my family and I were walking down the street.
“We had probably finished eating at a restaurant.
“My sister and my father walked ahead and my mother and I were walking behind.
“And this man brushed past me.
“I could have, at that point, ignored, pretended like it didn’t happen.
“I turned back, followed this person, caught him by the collar – I was 14 – in the middle of the street slapped him and walked away.”
At a young age, it takes a vast amount of courage to stand up to one’s abuser.
Deepika should be applauded for showing her strength and standing her ground.
Aditi Rao Hydari
The talent of Aditi Rao Hydari spans several states as she dazzles in Hindi, Tamil and Telegu cinema.
She has also gained recognition for starring in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
Continuing with the theme of survivors standing up to their abusers on the spot, Aditi gets candid about her story. She expresses:
“I was 15 and we were in Kerala to visit a temple where wearing a saree was compulsory.
“We all wore sarees and were waiting in the temple queue for darshan.”
“That’s when I felt somebody’s hand on my stomach, and it happened three-four times.
“I turned back and held his hand and slapped him so hard, leaving the guy scared.
“He started saying, ‘What, what?’ but I gave him an earful that he will remember for the rest of his life.”
Aditi also remembers how she lost work for eight months after she stood up to a separate abuser during a casting couch.
However, she maintains that she has no regrets about the matter:
“I did lose work and I cried about it but I didn’t regret it but I cried about it.
“Because I felt so upset that this was true and this is how girls are treated.
“I was like, ‘How dare someone speak to me like that?’
“Sometimes you need to see a situation, deal with it, get out and be very comfortable with it, and that’s how I felt.
“You need to be comfortable with the consequences and have no regrets.”
Such mature thoughts deserve praise. It is no wonder that Aditi Rao Hydari has such a large following of inspired fans.
Kangana Ranaut
If there is one Bollywood star who truly wears her heart on her sleeve, it is Kangana Ranaut.
Kangana stands somewhat as a lone wolf in the film industry, running her own show on her own terms.
The actress is known for voicing her outspoken, controversial viewpoints but she remains unperturbed by the consequences.
Kangana shed light on an incident where she experienced sexual abuse as a child on her television show Lock Upp. She says:
“I have faced this. I was a child and a young boy from our town used to inappropriately touch me.
“At the time, I did not know what it meant, no matter how protective your family is, all kids go through this.
“This guy was three to four years older than me. Perhaps he was exploring his sexuality.
“He would call us, get us all to strip and check us.
“We would not understand it at the time. There is a huge stigma behind this, especially for men.”
During the #MeToo movement, Kangana also supported a woman who claimed that the filmmaker Vikas Bahl sexually assaulted her.
Vikas directed Kangana in the classic film Queen (2013).
The Manikarnika star remarks:
“[Vikas] was scared of me but still every time we met, socially greeted and hugged each other, he’d bury his face in my neck and hold me really tight and breathe in the smell of my hair.
“It took me a great amount of strength and effort to pull myself out of his embrace. He’d say, ‘I love how you smell, K’.
“It’s amusing that after the news of Phantom dissolution many are finding the courage to attack him.”
It is important to note that Vikas was exonerated of any wrongdoing by a designated Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in 2019.
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu has emerged as one of the finest actresses Bollywood has ever produced.
She too is unafraid to showcase her frank opinions. Taapsee has famously denounced Koffee With Karan.
The Dunki actress reveals her experience regarding sexual abuse. She admits:
“Eve-teasing used to happen almost on a daily basis in Delhi.
“I used to travel in DTC buses while going to college for the longest time. I got my car when I was 19.
“So for two years before getting a car, I used to travel in DTC buses. And eve-teasing used to happen almost daily.
“Not just that, I have been touched inappropriately in DTC buses.
“Rubbed at wrong places while in a bus. And if we ventured into crowded areas in Delhi during the time of festivals, people used to touch you at inappropriate places.
“It was very common and has happened to me.”
Such commonalities are indeed shameful and sad. However, Taapsee must be cheered for speaking out.
Not only this, Taapsee is the proud sponsor of female children and is a key supporter of the #Justice4EveryChild telethon.
She slams the taboo nature of sexual abuse and underlines the importance of educating girls about it:
“This topic is such a huge taboo in terms of education and it’s still such hush-hush because it’s always kept under the books.
“Girls need to be taught what is good and what is not good so that they can have a relationship where they can talk to someone.
“Knowing what is good or not, these are the answers they should have. Girls are always asked to not speak up.”
Taapsee Pannu has channelled her beliefs through her work by appearing in feminist films including Pink (2016) and Thappad (2020).
Bhumi Pednekar
Among the fresher faces of Bollywood stars, Bhumi Pednekar shimmers with an originality like no other.
The star has been straightforward about being a sexually abused teenager when she was growing up. She divulges:
“I remember this very very clearly. In Bandra, fairs used to happen back then.
“I was a teenager, probably 14, and was with my family and I knew what was happening. It’s not like I was unaware.
“I was walking and somebody kept pinching my ass.
“Though I looked back, I couldn’t understand who did it because it was very crowded.
“Somebody tried touching me inappropriately again and again and I was getting paranoid.
“Though I was with my family, there also was a whole bunch of kids from my building as well.
“But I didn’t say anything at that time because I was thrown off by what had happened.
“I still remember how that felt. I remember the poking and the pinching. It’s like your body remembers.
“These are traumas that you can’t get over.
“Many a time, you won’t even understand who did it because you are in the midst of a crowd.
“I have friends who have been flashed, right outside school itself.
“When we were in school, there was an autorickshaw driver in Juhu. This wasn’t right outside the school but around that area.
“We used to walk back home during that time. He would ‘do his business’ [in front of us].
“This is a sickness. How do you reach that stage of such heightened emotion that you think this is normal?
“A lot of it comes from education.
“At that moment, you are so paralysed and traumatised, you just don’t know what to do. You feel so violated.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh
Fatima Sana Shaikh is one of the most promising figures in the film industry.
She entered Bollywood with a bang in Nitesh Tiwari’s blockbuster Dangal (2016).
The young star discloses that she was abused at the tender age of three. She also discusses the stigma surrounding sexual violence and abuse. Fatima confesses:
“I was molested when I was just three years old.
“There is a stigma around the whole sexual abuse issue, which is why women don’t open up about being exploited in life.
“But I hope today the world changes. Today, there is awareness and education about it.
“At first, it was said, ‘Don’t speak about it’.
“People will think about it differently.
“Of course, I have faced the casting couch.
“I have been in situations where I have been told that the only way I get the job is by having sex.”
A fine performer and a brave individual, there are only positive things ahead for Fatima Sana Shaikh.
It is horrendous when people are sexually abused.
They face trauma and confusion and ultimately baggage from their terrible experiences.
However, all of these celebrities took their abuse and turned it into an opportunity to educate and inspire others.
One can see why these actors have such adoring fans everywhere.
For their courage, bravery and resilience, they deserve nothing but our respect and salutations.
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