Bollywood and the Law on Stalking

Stalking is a crime if a man repeatedly follows you, contacts you or monitors you despite your disinterest or without your consent. It is a term used for numerous activities done by a man, which when taken together can disrupt the life of the survivor. Stalking can happen in close proximity physically or over the phone or even online.  Lets see how 2 movies in Bollywood glorify stalking in India!

 

Raanjhanaa

The story of Ranjhanaa is set in the city of Benaras and revolves around Kundan (Dhanush) who is madly in love with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) ever since they were children. Despite her million refusals, he continues to court her for the entirety of the film in many ways – from blackmail to use of force – until his childish behaviour ends up bearing grievous consequences.

 

 

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha

The movie Toilet: Ek Prem Katha inspired by the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has a proper ‘stalking song’. The song, ‘hans mat pagli‘ has Akshay Kumar stalking a distressed Bhumi Pednekar, following her on a motorcycle and hideously clicking her pictures.

 

 

Want to read more on the law on stalking? Read our explainer “What is Stalking?”.