Lara DuttaS Experience with Sajid Khan: A Look at Workplace Conduct
Published: April 6, 2025
In November 2018, tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi revealed that his wife, actress Lara dutta, had confided in him about director Sajid Khan’s inappropriate behavior during the filming of “Housefull” in 2010. This revelation sheds light on the pervasive issue of workplace conduct in the entertainment industry and beyond. Bhupathi stated that dutta, prior to their marriage, had described Khan’s behavior towards a co-artist as “bad and indecent.”
According to Bhupathi, the complaints arose while Dutta was in London filming “Housefull.” He recounted, “When we were dating each other, she was shooting for ‘Housefull’ at that time… She and her close friend, who were a hair dresser, used to complain that the director (Sajid Khan) with a co-artist was poorly and vulgar.”
The comments resurfaced during a ‘We the Women’ program where Bhupathi spoke with Barkha Dutt. This prompted a discussion about the responsibility of those who witness misconduct and the importance of speaking out.
The Broader Context: #MeToo and Its Aftermath in Hollywood
Bhupathi’s revelation occurred amidst the rise of the #MeToo movement, which gained significant traction in the U.S. following allegations against Harvey Weinstein in 2017. this movement empowered individuals to come forward with their stories of harassment and assault, leading to a reckoning within Hollywood and other industries. The allegations against Sajid Khan,while predating the peak of #MeToo,resonate with the movement’s core message of accountability and the need for safer work environments.
The #MeToo movement has spurred significant changes in Hollywood, including the implementation of stricter workplace policies and the rise of intimacy coordinators on set. These coordinators ensure that actors are cozy and safe during intimate scenes, preventing potential abuse of power.
the Responsibility of Bystanders: A U.S. Perspective
Bhupathi’s comments extended beyond the specific allegations against Khan, addressing the responsibility of bystanders to intervene when witnessing misconduct. He stated that he told his wife that all four of you (who were working in that film) “should be a partner of Sajid’s conduct, because you did not oppose him.” This highlights a crucial aspect of preventing harassment and abuse: the importance of allyship and active intervention.
In the U.S., many companies are now implementing bystander intervention training programs to equip employees with the skills and knowledge to safely intervene when they witness inappropriate behavior. These programs emphasize the importance of speaking up, reporting incidents, and supporting victims.
A 2024 study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that companies with robust bystander intervention programs experienced a 20% decrease in reported incidents of harassment. this underscores the effectiveness of proactive measures in creating a safer and more respectful workplace culture.
| Bystander Intervention Strategies | Description | U.S. Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Intervention | Speaking directly to the harasser to stop the behavior. | “Hey, that’s not cool. Let’s change the subject.” |
| Delegation | Seeking help from a supervisor or HR representative. | Reporting the incident to a manager for further action. |
| Distraction | Changing the subject or diverting attention away from the harassment. | “I need your help with something over here.” |
| Delay | Checking in with the victim after the incident to offer support. | “Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?” |
Recent Developments and Future Implications
While Sajid Khan has faced allegations of misconduct, he has not been formally charged with any crimes. However, the allegations have had a significant impact on his career, leading to temporary suspensions from industry associations and projects.
The incident underscores the ongoing need for greater accountability and transparency within the entertainment industry. Organizations like the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in the U.S. are actively working to strengthen workplace protections and provide resources for victims of harassment.
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“When we were dating each other, she was shooting for ‘Housefull’ at that time… She and her close friend,who were a hair dresser,used to complain that the director (Sajid Khan) with a co-artist was poorly and vulgar.”
Mahesh Bhupathi
Looking ahead, it is indeed crucial for the entertainment industry to prioritize creating a culture of respect and inclusivity, where individuals feel safe to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. This requires ongoing education, training, and a commitment from leadership to hold perpetrators accountable.
