No Need for Godfathers: A Wake-Up Call for All Workplaces

The recent revelations of sexual harassment in the malayalam film industry, highlighted by the hema Committee report and new allegations, have prompted women artists to declare that this "uprising" is a crucial "wake-up call" for every workplace. Actor-politician khushboo Sundar emphasized the need for women to "speak up promptly," while actor Maala parvathi asserted that women in the industry “don’t need godfathers” and that “providing a job to a woman is not a favor.”

Sundar, who has also served on the National Commission for women (NCW) and worked across various film industries, stated, “This uprising was necessary. Such incidents occur in all sectors; why is the focus solely on the film industry? It happens in IT, medical, media, and government jobs as well. Reporting these incidents immediately is crucial. Delaying and compromising reduces the chance to address the issue effectively later. Speak up at the moment of misbehavior; fear of job loss should not deter one from reporting. Speaking up after many years is less impactful.”

Following a 2017 assault case involving actor Dileep, the kerala government formed a panel to address sexual harassment and gender inequality in the film industry. The Justice K.Hema Committee's report revealed serious issues of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment, suggesting that a “criminal gang” controls the industry and that women who resist face career setbacks.

So far, ten prominent figures in the malayalam film industry, including actors and directors, have been accused by female artists of sexual assault and mental abuse, resulting in work denial for non-compliance with their sexual demands.

In response to the allegations, Mohanlal, president of the Association of malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), and the entire executive committee resigned, citing "moral responsibility." The now-dissolved AMMA committee expressed gratitude for the criticism and acknowledgment of their responsibility in their media statement.

Accusations by Sreelekha Mitra and Minu Muneer Spark Outrage

The controversy intensified when bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra filed a complaint against director Ranjith with the kochi city police, alleging that he attempted to touch her with sexual intent during a 2009 film discussion. Mitra claimed that Ranjith invited her to his flat under the guise of discussing a film, but then made inappropriate advances, prompting her to leave the premises in distress.

Subsequently, actor Minu Muneer publicly accused seven prominent malayalam film industry figures of sexual misconduct, including actor-politician Mukesh, actor Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, as well as lawyer V.S. Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and casting director Vichu. Muneer, supported by government backing and friends, decided to "rip the bandage" and reveal her experiences. She alleged that Jayasurya hugged and kissed her without consent on set, and accused Maniyanpilla Raju of repeatedly attempting to enter her hotel room uninvited, while Noble behaved inappropriately during a car ride.
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Subashini

28/08/2024 03:47 PM