Mukesh Khanna slammed on social media for comments about #MeToo movement
Mumbai: Veteran Mukesh Khanna, best known for playing superhero Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamaha in the television series "Mahabharata", has been criticized for his statement that the #MeToo movement began when women stepped out of their homes and started working.
The #MeToo movement started in Hollywood in 2017 after many women from the entertainment industry called out various powerful men for sexually harassing them, drawing focus on workplace safety.
A year later, it gathered momentum in Bollywood when actor Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. Following this, many women in the Indian film industry came out to speak against the culture of a toxic work environment.
In a video clip from an interview given to a news channel, Khanna claimed that #MeToo movement happened because women tried "walking shoulder to shoulder with men".
"Men and women are different. The job of a woman is to take care of the house, pardon me as I say certain things. The problem of #MeToo began when women started working. Today, women talk about walking shoulder-to-shoulder with men," Khanna said.
The 62-year-old actor said both men and women have their own set of responsibilities.
"People talk about women's lib (liberation), but let me tell you that's where the problem begins. The first person who suffers is the child because he doesn't have a mother (around him at home), he sits and watches TV with his nanny all day.
"It all began when women started saying that they want to do what men do. No, a man is a man and a woman is a woman," he said.
Khanna's comments were met with sharp criticism from social media users.
A Twitter user said he regrets idolizing Khanna and called him a 'misogynist'.
"This man worked in 'Mahabharat' serial which had many female characters, his serial 'Shaktimaan' had Geeta Vishwas a female character.
"My mother is also a working woman and I proudly say that I am proud of my mother. I regret that I idealized him once. He's a misogynist," he said.
Another Twitter user, who has been an ardent fan of Khanna's popular show "Shaktimaan", expressed his disappointment over the actor's comments.
"Painfully realizing the fact that much precious time from my childhood went wasted on watching shaktiman serial," the user said.
"Shocking. Didn't expect this from Mr. Khanna. What is wrong with him. It's so unfortunate hearing this from such a senior actor who has been an Idol for many. Women too like men can choose a profession of their own choice Metoo is all about abuse of power irrespective of profession," read a tweet.
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Bihar minister Nitin Nabin appointed BJP's national working president
New Delhi (PTI): Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin was on Sunday appointed as the BJP national working president and is likely to eventually succeed JP Nadda as its national president, signalling a generational shift in the ruling party.
Nabin, 45, son of late Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha -- a veteran BJP leader and former MLA -- is considered dynamic and ideologically rooted, and deeply committed to the organisation, party leaders said.
A five-time MLA, he represents Bankipur assembly constituency in Bihar and has served twice as a minister in the Bihar Government.
His tenures as a minister in Bihar and his role as the party incharge of Chhattisgarh have been truly outstanding and marked by his effective organisational leadership, they said.
The BJP parliamentary board picked Nabin for the post.
"Bharatiya Janata Party's parliamentary board has appointed Nitin Nabin, a minister in the Bihar government, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national working president with immediate effect," BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said in a notification.
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Nabin, who belongs to the Kayastha community, is likely to succeed incumbent BJP chief Nadda and is one of the youngest leaders to occupy the post, the leaders said.
Nadda, 65, was appointed the BJP President in January 2020 and has already completed his full term. He was granted extensions to lead the party through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Congratulating Nabin on his appointment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has distinguished himself as a "hardworking Karyakarta" and expressed confidence that his energy and dedication will strengthen the party.
"He is a young and industrious leader with rich organisational experience and has an impressive record as MLA as well as Minister in Bihar for multiple terms. He has diligently worked to fulfil people's aspirations.
"He is known for his humble nature and grounded style of working. I am confident that his energy and dedication will strengthen our Party in the times to come. Congratulations to him on becoming the BJP National Working President," PM Modi said on X.
Nabin has also worked extensively for Yuva Morcha. His appointment reflects the BJP’s focus on capable leadership and signals a generational shift, the leaders said.
BJP chief Nadda also greeted Nabin and said he was confident that the party would attain new heights under his leadership.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the dynamic BJP leader from the sacred land of knowledge and culture, Bihar, and Minister in the Bihar Government, Shri Nitin Nabin ji on his appointment as the National Working President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"I am fully confident that under the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and your leadership, the organisation will reach new heights with the sentiments of nation-building and public service. Heartfelt best wishes for your illustrious and successful tenure," he said on X.
