In a recent incident that has sparked widespread controversy, actor and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty has alleged harassment during a performance in Bangaon, West Bengal. The event, organized as part of Republic Day celebrations, took place on Sunday night in the Nayagram area of Bangaon town, located in the North 24 Parganas district.
Allegations of Stage Interruption and Disrespect
According to Chakraborty, she was performing at an event hosted by the Naya Gopal Gunj Yubak Sango Club when a man, identified as Tanmay Shastri, one of the organizers, abruptly climbed onto the stage. He interrupted her performance and demanded that she leave without any prior communication. Chakraborty described this act as deeply insulting and disrespectful, emphasizing that it occurred in front of a live audience.
In a detailed post on her X handle, Chakraborty expressed her dismay, stating, "As we celebrate Republic Day, we speak of freedom and equality. But the independence and dignity of women and artists are still too easily violated." She highlighted that many fans had gathered to see her, and the sudden interruption left her humiliated. "Leaving the stage that way, followed by derogatory remarks on the microphone, was not just humiliating, it defamed me publicly," she added.
Police Complaint and Legal Action
Following the incident, Chakraborty filed a police complaint via email on Monday against Tanmay Shastri. A senior police officer confirmed that the complaint has been received and is under investigation. "We are looking into it," the officer stated, noting that the allegations involve the organizer climbing onto the stage mid-performance and stopping the programme abruptly.
Chakraborty asserted her commitment to legal recourse, saying, "I have now taken the matter to the appropriate legal authorities and believe in due process. If I keep quiet today, this behaviour will be repeated tomorrow. Dignity on stage is non-negotiable." She also shared messages of support from fans, reinforcing her stance against normalizing such treatment of artists.
Organizers' Denial and Counterclaims
In response to the allegations, the organizers have denied any wrongdoing. They claimed that Chakraborty arrived nearly one-and-a-half hours late for the event and that she was paid for her performance and treated with respect. However, they stated that they were compelled to ask her to stop because the programme had police permission only until midnight.
"We had permission till 12. So post 12, she was asked to stop the performance as we had no further police permission," one organizer explained to local media. This counterclaim has added a layer of complexity to the dispute, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives.
Broader Implications for Women Artists
Chakraborty used this incident to shed light on the challenges faced by female artists in the entertainment industry. She remarked, "The pressure is much higher for female artists; we are always expected to adjust, endure, and remain silent. If we speak up, we are labeled 'difficult' or 'problematic.' If we stay silent, the same behavior repeats."
She also detailed her efforts to maintain professionalism, noting that she waited in her car for over 20 minutes before going on stage to avoid disrupting another artist's performance. "I have built my career on self-respect, hard work, and discipline," she emphasized, advocating for accountability over revenge.
The incident has triggered a public debate on social media, with many expressing support for Chakraborty and calling for greater respect for artists' dignity. As the investigation proceeds, this case highlights ongoing issues of harassment and respect in public performances, particularly for women in the arts.
