The green carpet ahead of the IIFA Utsavam awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2024, wasn’t only about glamour and glitz. It became a platform for significant discussions as some renowned celebrities addressed pressing questions from the media while showcasing their exquisite attires.
The entertainment industry has been abuzz for over a month following the revelations of the Justice K Hema Committee report, which has shaken the Malayalam industry and resonated across various film fraternities in India. The report highlights the systemic issues of women’s safety and respect within the industry, calling for urgent reforms.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who is celebrating her 50 years in cinema, shared her thoughts on the matter. “You must understand that women in India have had their journey across centuries,” she said. “From the 16th to the 21st century, women progressed but got suppressed at the same time.” Azmi emphasized that, despite the advancements, the patriarchal system continues to hinder women from achieving their full potential. “As far as treating women with respect is concerned, the industry still has a long way to go,” she added.
Seasoned actor Meena, known for her substantial body of work in Tamil and Malayalam films, spoke from a personal perspective. “People have opened up about their individual experiences. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered anything negative in the industry,” she disclosed. While Meena’s experience may have been largely positive, she acknowledged that others have faced significant challenges.
Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, who has a reputation for making controversial statements and displaying peculiar behavior at press events, was visibly agitated by the question regarding the Hema Committee report. “You can’t talk about a death at a wedding ceremony. It’s common sense. I am not here to discuss that,” Chacko remarked, expressing his dissatisfaction with the line of questioning.
For multilingual actor Priyamani, women’s safety on film sets is paramount. She underscored the need for enhanced security measures to prevent any incidents. “My mother or sister would come along with me for shoots till very recently.
. I felt secure in their presence. We need additional security for women on sets. If the film cannot ensure security, we must ensure someone from our family accompanies us,” Priyamani said, highlighting a personal approach to mitigating risks.
Veteran actor Nasser, known for his influential voice in the industry, called for a stringent code of conduct. “When I started, people were only concerned about the physical safety of artists,” Nasser recalled. “Today, even the mental health of an artist is important. There must be strict rules about how one must behave with women.” He stressed that the industry’s evolution must include comprehensive measures to protect both the physical and mental well-being of female artists.
The Hema Committee report has cast a spotlight on the persistent issues within the Malayalam cinema industry, urging introspection and action at all levels. The report revealed several cases of harassment and exploitation, prompting calls for systematic change and accountability. The industry’s response has been varied, from outright denial to pledges for reform.
As celebrities gathered at the IIFA Utsavam awards, the pressing issue of women’s safety in the industry was unmistakably underscored. The dazzling backdrop of the event offered a stark contrast to the serious conversations taking place, bridging the gap between glamour and grave societal issues.
The reaction to the Hema Committee report is an important step toward fostering a safer environment for women in cinema. It highlights the need for stricter guidelines and the implementation of robust safety measures. As the industry grapples with these revelations, it is evident that genuine progress will require collective effort and unwavering commitment.
The discussions during the IIFA Utsavam awards exemplify a growing awareness and willingness to address deep-seated issues. It is a hopeful indication that the voices of those advocating for change are beginning to be heard. The path to ensuring women’s safety and respect within the film industry is long, but events like this signify important milestones along the way.
Published: September 28, 2024 03:22 pm IST
Indian cinema / entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / Malayalam cinema
