‘Cheap publicity’: AICWA slams Tanushree Dutta over ‘evil dead’ remark after Nana Patekar’s death

Actor Tanushree Dutta has faced sharp criticism from the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and social media users after her reaction to veteran actor Nana Patekar’s reported death drew attention online. The association called her remarks insensitive and shameful, accusing her of seeking “cheap publicity” at a time when the film industry was mourning the loss.

Tanushree’s comments came in an Instagram video in which she acknowledged hearing the news of Patekar’s death but said she wanted to focus on a work event in Lucknow. Her reference to “evil dead” while expressing concern about media coverage of the event soon became the focus of the controversy.

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AICWA Founder and President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta strongly objected to the actress’s choice of words, saying that such remarks were inappropriate following someone’s death.

AICWA Calls Tanushree Dutta’s Remarks ‘Insensitive And Shameful’

In a statement, AICWA condemned Tanushree’s reported “evil dead” remark and paid tribute to Patekar, highlighting his contribution to Indian cinema, his Padma Shri honour and his social initiatives.

The association also referred to his work through the Naam Foundation, which supports families of distressed farmers, before extending condolences to his family.

“At such a time, Tanushree Dutta’s statement on social media, in which she used the words ‘Evil Dead’, is deeply objectionable, insensitive and shameful. AICWA strongly condemns it,” the statement read.

The organisation said such comments following a person’s death went against basic humanity. It also criticised Tanushree for referring to her professional commitments while speaking about the news.

“Until today, no one in our film industry has made such a statement after someone’s passing. You are the first, and we pray you will be the last,” the association said.

In another pointed remark, AICWA added, “People in this industry know what to say on such an occasion and when to stay silent. You should have kept a check on your tongue.”

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The association also objected to her mention of upcoming events in Lucknow and London, arguing that discussing personal professional plans while the country mourned a veteran actor was inappropriate.

“On a day when the country is mourning the loss of a stalwart, speaking about your own event and your own plans reflects a very small mindset,” the statement said.

What Did Tanushree Dutta Say In Her Video?

In the Instagram video, Tanushree said she had heard the news of Patekar’s death but wanted to concentrate on an event in Lucknow. She described the day as unusual because she had planned to post content and go live on social media as part of her work commitments.

“I have heard the news. Today is my work day. I am going to Lucknow for an event, and I want to focus on that,” she said.

She went on to express concern that the news could draw media attention away from her event.

“I’m doing a very big event in Lucknow and I had my entire day planned out. I wanted to do lives, post content and now I’m worried that in the evening all the media is going to be interested in ‘evil dead’,” she said.

Tanushree added that she would respond after deciding what to say, while offering condolences to Patekar’s family.

“I will give my reaction once I figure out what kind of reaction I should have. Definitely condolences to the family,” she said.

Her comments subsequently attracted criticism online, with users questioning the timing and tone of her response.

Social Media Users Question Tanushree’s Reaction

Several social media users criticised Tanushree, accusing her of being insensitive towards Patekar and his family following the news of his death.

One user wrote, “This is Pathetic #TanushreeDutta says she’s heard about #NanaPatekar’s demise and is worried that her event might get affect by this.”

Another commented, “#TanushreeDutta is filthing poison on Nana sir even today what type of human being she is.”

A third user offered a more measured take on the controversy, writing on X, “Tanushree Dutta’s reaction to the reports about Nana Patekar has sparked fresh debate online. Whatever their past differences, many believe moments like these call for empathy before anything else.”

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Another user called the remark “inhumane behaviour”, while someone else questioned her response by asking, “Have u heard the word humanity?”

The criticism comes against the backdrop of the long-running controversy between the two actors, which became prominent during India’s #MeToo movement.

Tanushree Dutta And Nana Patekar’s #MeToo Controversy

Tanushree and Patekar were at the centre of a major controversy in 2018, when the actress accused the veteran actor of sexual harassment during the filming of a song for the 2008 film ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’.

Tanushree alleged that the incident took place at Filmistan Studios in Mumbai. Patekar denied the allegations.

The controversy became one of the most widely discussed episodes of India’s #MeToo movement, bringing renewed attention to workplace harassment in the film industry.

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Tanushree’s latest remarks have once again brought the history between the two into the spotlight, with AICWA and several social media users criticising her response to the news of Patekar’s death.