Following the release of the Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam film industry, Sandalwood is now dealing with its own set of sexual harassment charges. A pro-women campaign has started in Kannada cinema, demanding similar measures to address issues of sexual harassment and inequality.
The Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) has written to the Karnataka government to establish a committee headed by retired judges to investigate these concerns within the industry. It is said that 153 people from the film industry and various sectors have signed this petition asking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take action on the issue.
It also demanded recommendations to ensure a healthy and equitable work environment for women in the Kannada film industry. “We propose that a retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court who has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender justice over her/his years of service be appointed to head the committee. FIRE is willing to assist in the selection process and be a point of contact if the government requires us to.,” read the letter.
FIRE stated that it has been the first film industry in the country to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the Kannada cinema and advocate for survivors of sexual harassment. It came into existence after the ‘Metoo’ movement, in which then-actress Shruthi Hariharan accused multilingual actor Arjun Sarja of sexual harassment.
While talking to Indian Express, Umesh Banakar, Kannada Film Producers Association, said, “On behalf of the producers association, I welcome the move as the intentions of the demands are to provide a women-friendly environment in the industry.”
On behalf of the film industry, actors Vinay Rajkumar, Kishore, Ashika Ranganath, Sruthi Hariharan, Amrutha Iyengar, Aindrita Iyengar, Sihi Kahi Chandru, Sangeetha Bhatt, Samyuktha Hegde, Pooja Gandhi, Manvita, Dhanya Ramkumar, and Meghana Gaonkar are said to have signed.
The Hema Committee Report, which exposed the dark side of the Malayalam film industry, is now being discussed all over the country. Many actresses have spoken and complained about their exploitation. As the Hema Committee report was published in Kerala, there was an uproar in the film industry. Actors like Radhika Sarathkumar, Khushboo, Ranjani, Amala Paul and Samantha also shared their views on this report.
Comments
0 comment