Nana Patekar’s death fuels fresh accusations and calls for accountability

Actor Nana Patekar passed away at 75 in Goa on October 8 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Tanushree Dutta, who previously alleged he harassed her on the 2009 set of Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss, posted an “evil dead” comment that drew criticism, prompting singer Sona Mohapatra to defend her. Sona then shared on X a screenshot of an assistant director’s account of witnessing sexual misconduct involving Patekar on two other films, describing how the abuse was concealed behind a performance. The AD later said a CINTAA member asked about the incident and that an actress finally spoke up, concluding that predatory behavior is routinely hidden and persists. In her caption, Sona questioned the public’s demand for multiple witnesses before believing a single survivor and warned that talent does not equal innocence. Singer‑activist Chinmayi Sripaada reposted the same X thread, stating that anyone praising Patekar must also admit his molestation was not an isolated act. Tanushree later shared a video from a Lucknow trip, expressing condolences for the family but noting her concern that media would only focus on the “evil dead” angle. The allegations first became public during the 2018 Me Too wave; an FIR was filed, which Patekar denied. The case was closed in 2019 for lack of evidence and finally dismissed in 2025 by the Mumbai Andheri Magistrate Court because the complaint was filed after the statutory deadline. ## Context The episode highlights how Indian entertainment circles continue to grapple with past misconduct claims, especially when legal routes are blocked by procedural time limits, leaving public opinion as a key arena for accountability.