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Published : 01 Apr 2018, 07:05 PM
Many on Facebook called the discussion ‘grotesque’ and bashed the ‘callous’ take on the sensitive issue.
The video shared on Facebook came from the Mar 17 version of the ‘Ebong Purnima’ talk show on private broadcaster RTV. Dilara Hanif Purnima hosted the show and had actor Misha Saudagar as her guest.
At one point Purnima asked Misha, “How many times have you raped in a movie.”
“As many times as the director asked me to,” said Misha.
The host went on to ask other questions:
“Who [which actress] do you feel comfortable doing rape scenes with?”
“Why did you feel more comfortable with those two?”
“Do you still want to do [rape] scenes nowadays?”
“Do you want to perform in rape scenes or do you prefer not to?”
Misha responded that he performed rape scenes at the instruction of the director when they were necessary for the story.
Many commented on Facebook that the video showed how Bangladesh’s film industry used rape scenes for sexual titillation.
Rights activist and lawyer Alena Khan said that media and movies were contributing to the growing number of rapes in Bangladesh.
“When rape is treated in a humorous manner in the media then it will have an effect on the mindset of people and will inspire rapists.”
“We do not receive justice. Various issues crop up in the legal system. So it is unacceptable to make light of the situation.”
“This is a type of pornography,” Khan said. “It is extremely ugly and crude to see a serious matter like rape treated this way by stars. They should apologise.”
Fahmidul Haq, an associate professor of journalism at Dhaka University, said: “They should not have asked such questions. Rape is a sensitive issue and a crime, not a matter of fun.”
“The interviewer (Purnima) herself is a woman and a beloved actress. She cannot make fun of such things. It was wrong. The channel is doing an immoral thing broadcasting this programme. This itself is unforgivable.”
Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Gitiara Nasreen wrote on Facebook that these films do not need to have as much rape as there is. “The script intentionally includes it. This romanticises sexual oppression.”
“Those involved in the film world have a responsibility to question the normalisation of this sexual offence. They should change this situation. Not laugh at it. But as the recent TV discussion between Purnima and Misha Saudagar makes unbearably clear, ‘rape’ is used as a form of entertainment in these formula films.”
PURNIMA APOLOGISES
Purnima, an award-winning actress, has apologised following the backlash.
“I am asking for forgiveness if I have made a mistake or caused harm or offence. I did not mean to hurt anyone, demean them or make a humorous matter out of it.”
“Whenever I see a news story about rape it brings a tear to my eye. I am a woman as well. I have a child. I also think about others.”
“I will speak more carefully in the future,” said Purnima.
Film Actors Association President Misha said: “The interviewer should not ask any questions that can have a negative impact on society.”
“The producer or the script writer must be aware of this.”
“People follow us more than most people. The producer and the script writer have to understand this.”
