While some may argue that such incidents are isolated or a thing of the past, the reality is that many actresses continue to face such harassment. A few years ago, several Bollywood actresses came forward to share their experiences of being fondled or massaged without their consent. These allegations were made against prominent industry figures, including actors and directors.
The term "fondeled" often associated with such incidents, refers to the act of touching or caressing someone, often in a sexual manner, without their consent. This practice, masquerading as a massage, was a disturbing reality for many aspiring actresses. The fear of being fondeled or coerced into uncomfortable situations led to a culture of silence, with many victims reluctant to speak out. While some may argue that such incidents are
The narrative surrounding actresses and physical touch in Bollywood is moving from one of exploitation toward one of empowerment. While the industry still has a long way to go in dismantling deep-seated patriarchal structures, the introduction of intimacy protocols and a culture of speaking out is creating a safer environment. The term "fondeled" often associated with such incidents,
Several prominent male stars have come forward to share their own shocking experiences. Ranveer Singh, now one of the biggest names in the industry, recalled an incident early in his career when a casting director, ignoring his portfolio, demanded that he be "clever and sexy" and touched him inappropriately. Actor Rajeev Khandelwal recounted being summoned to a well-known director’s bedroom and asked to remove his clothes. Similarly, Harshvardhan Rane was instructed to remove his pants so a casting director could "check" his legs. The normalization of these invasive physical checks—essentially fondling disguised as professional assessment—highlights how the ecosystem of Bollywood treats the bodies of actors, male or female, as commodities to be appraised and consumed by those holding the keys to success. The narrative surrounding actresses and physical touch in
In October 2018, Kate Sharma came forward to accuse veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai of sexual harassment. According to her police complaint, on August 6, 2018, the 73-year-old director called her to his apartment in Andheri, Mumbai, where several other people were present. In front of these acquaintances, Ghai reportedly instructed her: "Massage me". Shocked but attempting to maintain her composure, she briefly massaged his shoulders before excusing herself to wash her hands. It was then that the situation escalated. Ghai followed her, took her to his dimly lit bedroom, and attempted to kiss her and touch her private parts.
Global streaming giants enforce strict international HR policies against harassment on their sets.
Conversely, scenes depicting women being touched or fondled against their will were historically utilized to create dramatic tension or establish the villainy of an antagonist. Media critics argue that the framing of these scenes often walked a fine line between condemning harassment and sensationalizing it for entertainment value. The camera angles, background music, and narrative framing frequently prioritized the male perspective, a phenomenon film theorists define as the "male gaze." This gaze reduces female characters to objects of visual pleasure rather than autonomous individuals with agency. The Shift in Consent and Agency