After the Justice Hema Committee report brought focus on problems faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry, attention has also turned to the Tamil and Telugu industries, and veteran Tamil actor Radhika Sarathkumar urged her colleagues to break their silence on the issue of women’s safety.
Responding to a question on superstar Rajinikanth’s recent remark that he had no idea about the Hema Committee report, Radhika said, “If Rajinikanth said doesn’t know about it, that means he doesn’t know.”
However, she also said: “Let me tell you (men in the industry), your silence will be mistaken. If you think ‘why should I talk about it’ or ‘how should I talk about it’, let me tell you it is not a tough thing. Say, ‘I extend all the help to ensure safety for women…’ This single statement will provide huge relief to an affected woman, maybe to a junior artiste unknown to you.”
“Every hero will know which heroines are affected in this system. Every artiste and director knows it. But if men utter this one sentence in solidarity, it will be a reprieve for all women,” she said.
She pointed out that many actors in Tamil cinema have aspirations in politics. “You are all craving to stand and speak for people, aren’t you? Why don’t you speak out for your women colleagues?” she asked.
Radhika said the situation in the industry has “seemingly” improved, suggesting that risk factors are not as prevalent as before. However, she said that safety is still crucial, particularly for dancers and character artistes.
“Producers should take care of them. We should ask them to come and file a complaint if they have a bad experience. Otherwise, men will ask the most common question – why do women come forward with complaints after five years?” she said.
She further said, “Who will understand the pain of a woman? The pain she endured over those five years, the responsibilities of running a family… Women in all sectors — whether househelps, IT professionals, or top chefs — should have safety in all workplaces.”
She also said many actors are reluctant to speak to the media due to fears that their words could be misquoted or distorted for headlines.
Days earlier, Radhika had shared a disturbing experience from her time on a Malayalam film set, where hidden cameras were allegedly placed in the caravans used by women actors to change clothes.
She called for the establishment of strong committees, similar to HR departments in corporate settings, that would include legal and law enforcement professionals to ensure safety on film sets. “We are not helpless women. We are strong women. But there should be protection for all women working here,” she said.
The response from other Tamil industry figures has been mixed. Actor Jeeva recently dismissed concerns, saying: “No issues in the Tamil industry, only in Kerala.” At the same time, Actor Vishal said a committee would be constituted to study the issues of women in the Tamil industry.
Rajinikanth, the biggest star in Tamil cinema, claimed ignorance of the Hema Committee report.
The release of the report has reignited discussions about other unresolved allegations. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who has been vocal about her experiences of harassment, took to social media to remind the public of the ongoing issues in Tamil cinema. She alleged that a prominent lyricist, accused of misconduct by several women, continues to be protected by powerful figures within the industry.
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