The controversy surrounding Tanushree Dutta and Nana Patekar has returned to the spotlight following the veteran actor’s death. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has condemned Dutta’s remarks about the late actor, calling them insensitive and objectionable at a time when his family and the film industry are mourning his loss.
In a statement issued after Patekar’s demise on Thursday, the association criticised Dutta for using the words “Evil Dead” in a social media video. It also objected to her discussing her work commitments while speaking about the actor’s death.
The statement, signed by AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, called on Dutta to exercise restraint when commenting on someone who has died.
AICWA objects to Tanushree Dutta’s remarks
AICWA strongly condemns Tanushree Dutta’s “Evil Dead” remark on the passing of legend Nana Patekar
The entire film industry and the whole country are in mourning at the passing of Nana Patekar, the Padma Shri awardee, the man who served the nation during the Kargil War, and the artist whose Naam Foundation stood by farmers’ families in distress. We pay him our humble tributes and stand with his family in their hour of grief.
At such a time, Tanushree Dutta’s statement on social media, in which she used the words “Evil Dead,” is deeply objectionable, insensitive and shameful. AICWA strongly condemns it.
To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity. Until today, no one in our film industry has made such a statement after someone’s passing. You are the first, and we pray you will be the last. People in this industry know what to say on such an occasion and when to stay silent. You should have kept a check on your tongue.
You said that today is your work day, that you are going to Lucknow for a big event, and that your whole day is planned. Do your work; nobody asked you. Whether your event is in Lucknow or London, whether you focus or not, nobody is interested. On a day when the country is mourning the loss of a stalwart, speaking about your own event and your own plans reflects a very small mindset.
We pray for the peace of Nana Patekar’s soul.
Er. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta
President
AICWA
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— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) October 8, 2026
In its statement, AICWA said the country and the film industry were mourning Patekar’s death. It referred to his Padma Shri award, his work during the Kargil War and the support provided to farmers’ families in distress through his Naam Foundation.
The association offered its condolences to the actor’s family and said it stood with them during their period of grief.
However, it strongly objected to Dutta’s choice of words in her social media comments.
“At such a time, Tanushree Dutta’s statement on social media, in which she used the words ‘Evil Dead,’ is deeply objectionable, insensitive and shameful. AICWA strongly condemns it,” the statement read.
It further said, “To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity.”
The association also criticised Dutta for speaking about her plans for the day, including a work commitment in Lucknow.
“You said that today is your work day, that you are going to Lucknow for a big event, and that your whole day is planned. Do your work; nobody asked you,” the statement said.
AICWA added that discussing personal engagements at a time when people were grieving reflected what it described as a “small mindset”. It concluded by praying for Patekar’s soul to rest in peace.
Dutta had accused Patekar of sexual harassment
The dispute between Dutta and Patekar dates back to 2018, when the actress accused the actor of sexually harassing her on the sets of the film ‘Horn ‘OK’ Pleassss’ in 2008.
Dutta’s allegations became a major talking point in India’s #MeToo movement, which brought accounts of sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace into public discussion.
Patekar denied the allegations. The controversy also drew attention to the difficulties women face when speaking publicly about alleged harassment in the film industry.
- AICWA
- Nana Patekar
- Tanushree Dutta
