2024-09-01 10:01:35
There is an uproar in India after the release of the Hema Committee report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. There have been allegations of rape and sexual harassment against several famous stars including Malayalam film actor Siddiqui, director Ranjith Balakrishnan.
A few days ago, veteran actor Mohanlal resigned from the post of president of Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). After several days passed, he remained silent. Finally, the ‘Drishyam’ famous actor broke his silence.
Mohanlal appeared as a guest at the Kerala Cricket League and spoke about the issue. The actor said, ‘I am not part of any power group in the Malayalam film industry. I am not aware of any such group. If there is evidence against wrongdoers, they should be punished.’
Calling for publication of the Hema Committee report of other film industries, Mohanlal said, ‘Other film industries should also publish the report of the Hema Committee. Let it be a landmark moment in the film industry. And let it start from the Malayalam industry. We need to reinvent this industry. Actors in this industry get excited and emotional very quickly. When something like that happens, they are deeply affected by it.’
Mohanlal again demanded justice for the criminals and said, ‘Criminals must be punished. Let the state government decide. Please don’t destroy the film industry.’
Earlier, India Today reported that after the publication of the Hema Committee report on August 19, allegations of sexual harassment against some directors, actors and technicians came to light. The list also includes the names of some committee members of the Malayalam Film Association. Then on August 27, the president of the organization Mohanlal decided to resign. Not only that, the entire committee has been disbanded.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) released a statement. It said, ‘Hopefully, AMMA will get new leadership, which will be able to renew and strengthen the association. Thanks to everyone for the critiques and corrections.’
A meeting will be called to form a new committee within the next two months. The statement also informed that every member will be informed about this.
Hema committee exposes the facts of sexual harassment, casting couch, pay discrimination, exploitation in Malayalam film industry. It also exposed the issue of sexual harassment of senior actors and producers.
Actor Siddiqui was the general secretary of AMMA. He resigned from this post after an actress accused him of sexual harassment. Apart from that, allegations of sexual harassment have also been filed against directors Ranjith, Thulsidas, actors Jayasuriya, Mukesh, Manyanpila Raju, Edavela Babu and Suraj Venjaramudu.
Source: The Free Press Journal