When Ameesha Patel Spoke About Facing Harassment & Slapping Men For Inappropriate Behavior

Ameesha Patel, a distinguished Bollywood actress known for her roles in hits like Gadar, recently spoke about her experiences of inappropriate behavior from men in public spaces. In a candid interview with Filmy Mantra, Patel revealed incidents where she had to physically defend herself against unsolicited advances. She emphasized that such occurrences aren't unique to celebrities but are a widespread issue women face due to their gender. "Yeh aksar auraton ke saath hota hai, ladkiyon ke saath hota hai crowded places mein. Naa ki mein ek actor hu, naa ki kyunki mein public platform mein hu. Yeh hota hai kyunki hum ladkiyan hai, hum aurat hai," Patel explained, stressing the need for a societal change in mindset.

Patel also shared a disturbing experience from the shoot of Gadar in Amritsar, where she encountered inappropriate behavior from a crowd of about 20,000 people at a real train station. During a pivotal scene, she noticed the misconduct and immediately called attention to it, leading to swift action from the film crew and police protection for the remainder of the shoot. According to Patel, this aggression wasn't just from strangers but could come from anyone, underscoring the importance of self-defense. "I have turned down and slapped them. I think every woman should because protecting yourself is your birthright. Anybody, be it a stranger, family member, or friend, if a woman is touched inappropriately she should give it back," she stated firmly.

Beyond discussing her unsettling encounters, Patel opened up about the financial aspects of her early career. Despite her major roles, she disclosed receiving a modest compensation of just 2 lakhs for her work in both Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Gadar, which didn't even cover her makeup expenses over three years. She expressed that while her initial paychecks were low due to her newcomer status, monetary compensation should not be seen as a measure of one's talent or worth in the industry.

Ameesha Patel's reflections not only shed light on the challenges she faced in her early days in Bollywood but also highlighted broader issues of harassment and gender disparity. Her experiences underscore the necessity for women to assert their right to personal safety and challenge societal norms that perpetuate such behaviors. Moreover, her insights into the industry's financial practices provide a glimpse into the struggles newcomers often endure, emphasizing the value of recognition over remuneration.