The latest celebrity to hit #MeToo movement is Jatin Das — a well-known painter. Father of the Actor, Director Nandita Das. After multiple names to which the count is increasing each passing day, as of now three women have come out and alleged Jatin Das. Both the cases which women described are more than a decade old.
Read: All the names who joined list of Shame
Nisha Bora narrated an incident which happened to her in 2004. She met him at a dinner event in Delhi. Jatin Das asked him to assist him at his studio in Delhi. In a lengthy Twitter post she describes on day one nothing happened as people were around but on the second day Jatin Das after drinking some whiskey:
The next thing I knew, he attempted to grab me. I wriggled out of his embrace, flustered. Then he did it again. This time, he managed an awkward kiss on my lips. I recall the feeling of his beard on my skin. I pushed him away and moved away from him. At that moment, he said, “Come on, it would be nice”.
#MeToo One of India’s most feted artists alive. Padma Bhushan recipient. My molestor. Long post alert. @IndiaMeToo and so MANY other women, starting with @Rxyxsx Thank you for so much. pic.twitter.com/a6VFC6iHys
— Nisha Bora (@NishaBora) October 16, 2018
After Nisha Bora’s post, journalist Anushree Majumdar said her MeToo story saying she had been accosted by Jatin Das when working for a nascent film festival. Jatin Das asked him to join as assistance.
She said she went to his Shahpur Jat studio with a friend and there Jatin Das asked her strange questions and stood too close for her comfort and asked unnecessary and unusual questions. She recalled hiding from Jatin Das at his exhibition and noted that he called her several times on the phone later.
(2/3) I was surprised, flattered but the feeling evaporated when he insisted that I should quit my current job, work for him immediately. He’d pay more. Later, a friend and I went to his studio, Shahpur Jat, to pick up the painting. He stood too close, he asked strange questions.
— Anushree Majumdar (@CaptBackspace) October 16, 2018
(3/3) On the day of the opening, he called me to tell me that he was coming only to see me; and I must work for him after the festival is done. I spent all evening at Alliance Francaise hiding from him. He called many times the next day; he gave up when I didn’t answer his calls.
— Anushree Majumdar (@CaptBackspace) October 16, 2018
Garusha Katoch says Jatin Das tried to take advantage of me when I was 20. In December 2013 when a friend of mine informed me about an internship opportunity at JDCA. I cleared the interview and started work the very next day. The office had no more than 5-6 interns.
Meanwhile, Jatin Das started talking to me. He said it I knew what sanjog is and then continued to tell me how it was destiny that I met him. He asked me if I had seen his studio. I said him it is getting late, maybe some other time. He insisted. As a 20-year-old with her first ever job didn’t know how to respond. In almost 10 seconds we were in his studio
Then he revealed his plans for me: I Shouldn’t put any makeup, Natural beauty is so much better. He then proceeded to ask me where I live and how much I pay as rent. Almost instantly he said, ‘l have a spare root-m Tell your parents you’ll live with me. I’ll talk to them’.
That is when he leaned in and hugged me tight almost trying to kiss me. I looked away had tears in my eyes, I am sure he saw them.
In a long Twitter post, she described what all happened.
Jatin Das: Renowned painter, Padma Bhushan recipient and someone who tried to take advantage of me when I was 20. 5 years too late but it’s about time I speak up. @NishaBora thank you for speaking up. #MeToo pic.twitter.com/PgheXFOy5R
— Garusha Katoch (@GarushaK) October 16, 2018
Jatin Das Daughter Nandita Das who is firmly in support of #MeToo and also in the list if the Filmmakers who will not work with the proven offenders released a statement. She said :
As a strong supporter of the #Metoo movement, I want to reiterate that I will continue to add my voice to it, despite the disturbing allegations made against my father, which he has categorically denied. I have maintained from the very start that this is the time we all need to listen so that women (and men) feel safe to speak up. At the same time, it is also important to be sure about allegations so as not to dilute the movement.
I am touched by the number of people – friends and strangers – who are concerned and are trusting my integrity. I do believe truth will prevail. And that is all I have to say on this matter.
