Acclaimed actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her powerful performances in films such as Dangal, Ludo, Thugs of Hindostan, and Sam Bahadur, has spoken candidly about the cultural shifts in Bollywood following the #MeToo movement. In a recent interview with Humans of Bombay, Shaikh shared her thoughts on how the industry is evolving to become more responsible and safer for all professionals.

Shaikh, who is among the few Bollywood celebrities to openly address issues like casting couch and sexual misconduct, believes that the industry has started moving in the right direction. “Things have changed,” she stated. “People are now more accountable, and there is an element of fear which perhaps didn’t exist before.”

She noted that mechanisms to deal with inappropriate behaviour are increasingly being put in place across many film sets. “Complaints are taken more seriously now than they were in the past,” she added.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Fatima said, “You may be working closely with someone, and the boundaries between you may begin to blur without you even realising it. This is a male-dominated industry. But now, after #MeToo, women are at least able to speak up. I’ve faced uncomfortable situations, but thankfully, I have not been a victim of outright sexual assault.”

Shaikh was quick to point out that such problems are not exclusive to the entertainment industry. “I believe the situation might be even worse in the corporate world,” she remarked, emphasising that the issue spans multiple sectors.

She also praised global OTT platforms like Amazon and Netflix for setting a standard in safeguarding actors and crew members. “Representatives from these platforms are present on set. They organise orientation meetings with actors, crew, and department heads, informing them clearly about their rights, acceptable behaviour, and what constitutes misconduct,” she explained, referencing mandatory POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) sessions.

Shaikh concluded by expressing hope that these steps towards accountability would continue across all sectors. “People are now being held responsible for their actions. That is progress — not just in our industry, but in the corporate sector and beyond.”

Fatima’s statements add to the growing narrative around safety and accountability in professional spaces, underscoring the importance of systemic change in both creative and corporate environments.