The green carpet ahead of the IIFA Utsavam awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2024 wasn’t just a celebration of glamour and style. As notable celebrities graced the event, they took the opportunity to address significant issues, responding to pressing questions from the media while showcasing their fashionable attires.
For many in the Malayalam film industry, and indeed across the spectrum of Indian cinema, the discourse was dominated by the Justice K Hema Committee report. Released over a month ago, the report has sent ripples across the industry, bringing to light long-standing concerns regarding women’s safety and treatment in the workplace. The seismic impact of the document is still being felt, reverberating through various reactions and statements from influential figures.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who is celebrating an incredible 50 years in the film industry, was one of the key voices highlighting the graveling issues. In a poignant reflection, she articulated the historical journey and struggles of women in India. “You must understand that women in India have had their journey across centuries. From the 16th to the 21st century, women have made significant progress but have also faced suppression concurrently,” said Azmi. She further emphasized that patriarchy remains a barrier, hindering women from achieving their full potential in various fields, including the film industry.
Another seasoned actor, Meena, known for her extensive work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, offered a more personal perspective. “People have opened up about their individual experiences. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered anything negative in the industry,” she shared. While Meena’s personal experiences have been positive, she acknowledged the broader concerns raised by many of her colleagues and peers.
In stark contrast, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, known for his often controversial statements and unpredictable behavior at press events, appeared visibly irked by the topic. “You can’t talk about a death at a wedding ceremony. It’s common sense. I am not here to discuss that (Hema Committee report),” he bluntly told reporters, underscoring his refusal to engage in the discussion about the report.
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For multilingual actor Priyamani, the issue of safety on film sets is of paramount importance. She stressed the necessity of extra precautions to prevent any form of danger. “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 stated. Her comment underscores the ongoing concern for the safety of female artists in an environment that should ideally be secure and supportive.
Veteran actor Nasser weighed in with comments on the need for a strict code of conduct in the film industry. Reflecting on the shifts he has seen over the years, he noted, “When I started, people were only concerned about the physical safety of artists. Today, even the mental health of an artist is important. There must be strict rules about how one must behave with women.” This statement from Nasser emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive measures to ensure both physical and mental well-being of all industry professionals.
The IIFA Utsavam awards, known primarily for their glitz and glamour, thus turned into a platform for discussing critical social issues. As the stars walked the green carpet, their words resonated as much as their sartorial choices, signaling a collective call for change within the industry. The Justice K Hema Committee report has undeniably sparked a significant conversation, prompting introspection and dialogue about the long-overdue need for gender equity and safety in the film industry.
As the evening wore on, it became evidently clear that while the film industry is a powerful medium of storytelling and creativity, the real-life narratives of those who work within it demand attention and action. The reflections and calls for change voiced at the IIFA Utsavam awards are a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where the push for safety, respect, and dignity for women is an urgent and critical narrative that cannot be ignored. This awards night, therefore, echoed with a deeper resonance beyond the usual celebrations, marking a pivotal moment of advocacy and awareness in the glamorous world of Indian cinema.
