Film workers' body accuses Tanushree Dutta of 'cheap publicity' over Nana's death

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly criticised Tanushree Dutta over her reaction to veteran actor Nana Patekar’s death, calling her “evil dead” remark insensitive and shameful. In a strongly worded statement, the association accused Dutta of displaying a lack of sensitivity at a time when the film industry and fans are mourning the loss of the veteran actor.Dutta shared a video on social media on Thursday in which she appeared to use the phrase “evil dead” while referring to the news of Nana’s death. AICWA, led by its founder and president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, condemned her choice of words and questioned the tone of her response.“AICWA strongly condemns Tanushree Dutta's ‘Evil Dead’ remark on the passing of legend Nana Patekar,” the association said, accusing the actor of using the moment for cheap publicity.In its statement, AICWA also highlighted Nana's contributions to Indian cinema and society, pointing to his Padma Shri, his work with the Naam Foundation to support families of distressed farmers, and his service during the Kargil War. The association offered condolences to his family while reiterating its objection to Dutta’s remarks. Mumbai, 8 October 2026 AICWA strongly condemns Tanushree Dutta's "Evil Dead" remark on the passing of legend Nana Patekar The entire film industry and the whole country are in mourning at the passing of Nana Patekar, the Padma Shri awardee, the man who served the nation during the Kargil War, and the artist whose Naam Foundation stood by farmers' families in distress. We pay him our humble tributes and stand with his family in their hour of grief. 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. To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity. 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. 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. You said that today is your work day, that you are going to Lucknow for a big event, and that your whole day is planned. Do your work; nobody asked you. Whether your event is in Lucknow or London, whether you focus or not, nobody is interested. 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. We pray for the peace of Nana Patekar's soul. Er. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta President AICWA | #NanaPatekar | #AICWA | #AllIndianCineWorkersAssociation | | @nanagpatekar | @ANI | @PTI_News | @ians_india |— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) October 8, 2026 “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 association further argued that making such comments after a person’s death went against basic humanity. In the caption accompanying its post, AICWA said, “To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity. 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. 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.” The workers’ body also objected to Dutta mentioning her upcoming professional commitments in the video, including a planned visit to Lucknow for an event. The association said such references were inappropriate while the industry was grieving Nana’s death.“You said that today is your work day, that you are going to Lucknow for a big event, and that your whole day is planned. Do your work; nobody asked you. Whether your event is in Lucknow or London, whether you focus or not, nobody is interested. 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,” AICWA said.What Tanushree Dutta saidSpeaking to news agency IANS on Thursday night, October 8, Dutta, who had previously accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment, called the veteran actor a “shaitaan” and described his death as an “act of God”. She also alleged that Patekar had continued to harass her, reiterating her claims against him even after his death.Recalling the legal battle that followed her allegations, Dutta said it took her five years to persuade a key witness to come forward. She claimed that the witness, who worked as her hairdresser, had faced threats before submitting an affidavit in court supporting her account.“It took us five years to convince a prime witness. She used to get threats. Our prime witness, who was my hairdresser, had given an affidavit in court, saying that whatever madam is saying, I have seen it with my own eyes,” she said.Dutta also reflected on the outcome of the case, arguing that its closure did not mean her allegations were untrue.“We live in India. Here, it is not necessary that the one who wins is right. Here, no one won. The judge closed the case. But that does not mean that I was not right and he was not wrong,” she added.Continuing her criticism of Patekar, Dutta alleged that his behaviour towards her had not stopped. “He was a very egoistic man, and God has taken his life because he was not stopping. He was harassing me constantly,” she said.Earlier on Thursday, Dutta had shared a video on Instagram in which she spoke about learning of Patekar’s death while travelling to Lucknow for a professional event. She said she wanted to focus on her work but was concerned that the news would dominate media coverage of the event.Nana Patekar died after suffering severe chest pain. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes, according to Dr Shekhar Salkar, head of the hospital’s oncology department. The actor was cremated at his farmhouse in Pune with full state honours.Meanwhile, Tanushree Dutta and Nana Patekar were at the centre of one of the most high-profile controversies to emerge during India’s #MeToo movement in 2018. Dutta had accused Patekar of inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment while filming a song for the 2008 film Horn Ok Pleassss.According to Dutta, the alleged incident took place at Mumbai’s Filmistan Studios during the song’s shoot, when Patekar behaved inappropriately towards her. Patekar denied the allegations.- Ends