A shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the Bengali film industry, known as Tollywood. Tanushree Das, a woman working as a hairstylist, attempted suicide on Saturday after facing a series of alleged injustices at the hands of the hairstylist guild. According to reports, Das was denied work opportunities and subjected to harassment after advocating for an election within the guild, rather than a nomination. This led to her suspension for three months in May.
Das’s attempt to end her life, thankfully thwarted by her daughter, came after she allegedly received a job for Moinak Bhowmik’s upcoming film only to be informed that the guild had instructed the production manager not to hire her. This, coupled with the continued denial of other work opportunities, led to Das’s desperate act.
In an alleged suicide note, Das described the ongoing harassment and the devastating impact it had on her life and ability to support her family. “I was suspended for three months from May 1 but even then, I was not allowed to work properly. I could not fulfil my family responsibilities properly, so I am forced to commit suicide. Committee members of my guild are responsible for this,” she wrote.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage in Tollywood, with many expressing their support and solidarity for Das. Prominent figures from the Bengali film industry, including actors Sudipta Chakraborty and Chaiti Ghoshal, rushed to the hospital to visit her.
Reacting to the incident, veteran actor and BJP leader Rupa Ganguly stated, “A hairdresser was suspended for three months because she made some mistake. Now, even after three months, she was not allowed to work. She struggled for that period and then she was informed at the last minute that she would not be allowed to work. It is wrong.”
Sudipta Chakraborty, expressing her anger and frustration on social media, said, “I cannot accept this injustice. I will see the end of it.”
The incident has brought to light the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the alleged harassment and intimidation faced by Das. It serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics and potential abuse within professional guilds, and the crucial need to address such issues within the industry. The Tollywood film fraternity is united in their demand for justice and accountability for the alleged actions of the hairstylist guild, ensuring that such incidents never occur again.
