Hema Committee Report: Actresses Sarada And Sheela Talk About Sexual Harassment In Malayalam Industry

The Kerala state government recently received the long-awaited report from the committee led by retired Justice Hema. This report, which was submitted a few years ago, delves into serious issues within the Malayalam film industry. Although the full report has not been made public, the few pages that were released have already caused a stir.

The committee, formed in 2017, was established after a shocking incident where an actress was sexually assaulted. The three-member team included retired Justice K Hema, former bureaucrat KB Valsalakumari and veteran actress Sarada. Their task was to investigate various problems in the Malayalam film industry, including sexual harassment, lack of basic facilities for women, pay disparity and gender discrimination.

One of the most disturbing findings in the report involves an actress who was forced to perform a hugging scene with an actor who had sexually assaulted her in the past. Despite 17 retakes, the actress could not complete the scene, leading to frustration on the set. This incident highlights the difficult conditions many women in the industry face.

The release of the report has generated reactions from several prominent actresses. Veteran actress Sarada, who was part of the committee, spoke to a private news agency. She revealed that during her acting days, she did not speak openly about sexual harassment. She believes today’s actresses are more educated and courageous, making them more willing to speak out. She also criticised some current actresses, accusing them of complaining for attention rather than genuine reasons.

Similarly, legendary actress Sheela questioned why complaints are only being made against a few actors. Sheela, who claims she never faced sexual harassment during her career, expressed her support for the Kerala government’s efforts. She stated that if anyone is guilty, they should be punished.

The Justice Hema Committee’s report has brought to light the dark realities of the Malayalam film industry. The issues of sexual harassment, inadequate facilities and gender discrimination need to be addressed to ensure a safer and more equitable environment for all. The public release of the full report is eagerly awaited, as it could lead to significant changes in the industry.