Vidya Balan talks about sexual harassment

The sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein by a number of Hollywood actresses have created a major stir in showbiz. It is among the most trending topics at the moment. And after Hollywood, Bollywood is reacting to the scandal.

Vidya Balan chose to match the tone with her contemporary Priyanka Chopra. Vidya spoke about how women feel unsafe while addressing sexual harassment issues. Her character Sulu in her forthcoming film Tumhari Sulu is also one of an enterprising, bold and happy-go-lucky housewife who lives by her own rules.

She said, “You know it is quite shocking to see that Harvey Weinstein has been an abuser for so many years and no one spoke about it till the NY Times piece broke the news. He is one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood; someone whose work we’ve all admired but to think that even the most powerful female actors chose to keep silent on the matter for decades is a reflection of how women, however successful they maybe, don’t feel safe addressing sexual harassment.”

On being asked if she gets daunted with such people around, she said, “No, I did not give anyone that space to intimidate me or be anything but respectful towards me. But I can’t say this enough number of times that I feel I came from a privileged position where my survival did not depend on this. A lot of times girls compromise as their survival depend on it.”

Vidya added that she has never been assaulted sexually saying that, “If someone’s vibe made me uncomfortable, I’ve walked away from that person and the opportunity to work with him. That is my way of dealing with it. No one has ever crossed the line with me.”