Fatima Sana Shaikh reveals Amazon, Netflix ensure every crew undergoes sexual harassment training

Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her performances in Dangal, Thugs of Hindostan, Ludo, and Sam Bahadur, recently opened up in a candid interview with Humans of Bombay about how the conversation around sexual misconduct in the film industry has evolved post the Me Too movement—and where gaps still remain.

While acknowledging that she hasn’t personally faced direct sexual misconduct in Bollywood, Fatima clarified that she has encountered discomfort in her early days. “It’s not like the industry is bad. Any incident that has happened, it’s just been this one little, small-time somebody and some conversation,” she said.

She stressed that the issue isn’t exclusive to the entertainment sector. In fact, she finds the problem even more severe in corporate settings. “Corporate is life when you are together. So there, it’s even more rampant… and even more toxic,” she added. Fatima believes things have begun to shift. “I think things have changed. People are much more accountable. They are a little more fearful,” she observed. According to her, many sets now have systems in place to handle complaints before they escalate.

Still, she offers a nuanced perspective on how complex misconduct can be, especially when relationships blur boundaries. “You are working with someone, you have become intimate. But then you don’t understand, the lines are blurred. Then there is the dynamic of the power,” she said. She advocated for fair investigations but added that women must continue to be given the benefit of doubt, especially in a male-dominated space. “After Me Too, women can talk about it… You will be held accountable,” she noted.

Fatima Sana Shaikh appreciated OTT platforms like Amazon and Netflix for their proactive approach in ensuring safe work environments. She mentioned that professionals from specific agencies are brought in to conduct sessions with the cast, crew, and heads of departments. During these meetings, everyone is informed about their rights and what constitutes appropriate workplace behaviour. She noted that PoSH training has become a regular practice on many sets.

Ending on an optimistic note, she remarked that accountability is now being observed not just in the film industry but also across corporate sectors, calling it a sign of real progress.