Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her stellar performances and fierce honesty, has bravely opened up about a deeply disturbing incident that forever altered her outlook on public safety and personal boundaries.
In a candid conversation with Hauterrfly, Fatima revealed a horrifying moment that took place in a public space when she stood up against inappropriate behaviour and paid the price for it.
'Once, a man had touched me inappropriately, and I hit him. But he hit me back so hard that I was fully down,' Fatima shared.
This chilling memory isn't just another headline; it’s a stark reminder of what countless women silently endure every day. Fatima’s story echoes the bitter truth about the risks many face when standing up against harassment.
The Dangal star continued, 'I only hit him because he touched me, but that pissed him off and he hit me to the point that I fell.'
Her words slice through the silence with an uncomfortable truth: for women, self-defence isn't always safe.
'After that incident, I got a little more cautious. I realised that we also have to check how to react in such situations,' she explained. The paradox, as she points out, is painful the burden of reacting correctly falls on the victim, not the perpetrator.
'But look at the irony… something wrong is happening with us, and we only have to think about how to react to it.'
Her reflection reveals the emotional and psychological toll such experiences take, even on someone as strong and outspoken as Fatima.
But that wasn't the only time Fatima faced gender-based harassment. She also recounted a more recent encounter—during the supposedly quiet COVID-19 lockdown period in Mumbai.
'I was riding my bicycle wearing a mask, and there was this tempo driver who kept honking and making weird sounds at me,' she said. 'Till the time I didn’t take a turn in my lane, he kept following me.'
Even during a global crisis, the streets weren’t safe. The incident, while less physically violent, was no less chilling. It highlights how routine and normalised such behaviour has become.
'You only have to be a girl for it,' Fatima remarked, summing up the terrifying simplicity of what invites harassment, just existing as a woman.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s voice joins a growing chorus of women in India and around the world who are using their platforms not just to entertain, but to educate and advocate.
Her revelations offer a sobering glance into the lived reality of many, reminding us that while conversations around women’s safety have grown louder, the streets and systems are still playing catch-up.
Despite the trauma, Fatima continues to rise in her career. She was recently seen in Metro…In Dino, directed by Anurag Basu and co-starring Ali Fazal. The film has earned praise for its layered storytelling and raw emotionality.
She also stars in Aap Jaisa Koi, now streaming on Netflix. The film presents a bold and refreshing take on middle-aged love, with Fatima’s character challenging both societal norms and her own family’s restrictions in pursuit of happiness.
Fatima’s courage to speak up matters, not just because she’s a celebrity, but because her story is tragically common. Her honesty serves as a mirror to society’s deep-rooted gender biases and reminds us that the fight for safe spaces is far from over.
Also Read: Amira Ishtara Viral Hot Videos and Photos
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
