Malhar Patekar Responds to Tanushree Dutta’s Remarks, Says Legal Case Is Over

Malhar Patekar has responded to the renewed controversy surrounding his late father, veteran actor Nana Patekar, and the allegations previously raised by actress Tanushree Dutta. Malhar maintained that the legal matter had already reached its conclusion, questioning the need to reopen the discussion following his father's death.

Speaking about the issue in a recent interview, Malhar avoided naming Dutta directly. He said the case had already been dealt with through the judicial process and expressed his preference not to engage in further public exchanges over the allegations.

His comments come after Dutta made a series of statements following Nana Patekar's death on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. The actor died in Goa, prompting tributes from colleagues, admirers and members of the film industry.

Malhar Patekar Addresses the Renewed Controversy

Malhar said he did not wish to respond to individuals continuing to discuss the case. He emphasised that the legal proceedings had concluded and indicated that he wanted to leave the matter behind rather than prolong the public dispute.

He also expressed a restrained response towards those making the comments, saying he would not engage with them directly and wished them well.

The remarks represent the family's response to the renewed attention surrounding allegations that had become a prominent subject of discussion during India's #MeToo movement. The controversy has returned to public conversation following the veteran actor's death and Dutta's subsequent statements.

Background to the Tanushree Dutta Case

Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment in connection with the 2008 filming of the movie Horn 'Ok' Pleassss. Her allegations received widespread attention in 2018, when she spoke publicly about the incident, helping bring renewed focus to workplace harassment in the Indian film industry.

The allegations were denied, and the matter led to a police investigation. In 2019, Mumbai Police submitted a closure report citing insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

The distinction between the closure of a criminal investigation and a judicial finding is important when describing the case. Malhar has presented his position as one of confidence in the legal process, while Dutta has continued to speak publicly about her experience and allegations.

The renewed debate has once again drawn attention to the wider questions raised during the #MeToo movement, including how allegations are investigated, how survivors' accounts are discussed and how legal outcomes are interpreted in public debate.

Malhar Also Reflects on His Father's Career and Social Work

In the same conversation, Malhar discussed Nana Patekar's approach to choosing film projects. He said his father had become more selective because he did not want to repeat the same kinds of roles and preferred work that offered creative challenges.

The veteran actor had built a long career across Hindi and Marathi cinema, earning recognition for performances in a wide range of films. His work extended beyond acting into social initiatives, including efforts focused on farmers and education.

Malhar indicated that continuing this social work would remain important to him. He referred to his father's involvement in initiatives supporting farming communities and efforts to establish schools in Kashmir, describing this legacy as something he intended to carry forward.

A Family Seeking to Move Forward

Malhar's comments combine a defence of his family's position on the legal case with reflections on his father's professional and social contributions. Rather than directly confronting Dutta, he chose to emphasise the conclusion of the investigation and his desire to avoid further exchanges.

The renewed attention demonstrates how allegations and public controversies can remain part of a public figure's legacy even after their death. For Malhar, the immediate focus appears to be preserving his father's legacy and continuing the social initiatives associated with him.