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. Some noted celebrities took on pertinent questions from the media even as they posed for photographs, showcasing their stylish attires. The stars weren’t just there to dazzle with their fashion choices but had important matters to address, shedding light on pressing industry issues, notably women’s safety.
It’s been over a month since the Justice K Hema Committee report rattled the Malayalam film industry and became a hot topic across various cinematic spheres. The report has ignited widespread discussions on the working conditions and safety of women in the film industry. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who is celebrating her 50 illustrious years in cinema, highlighted the report’s importance and the long journey the industry still has to undertake to ensure respectful treatment of women.
“You must understand that women in India have had their journey across centuries. From the 16th to the 21st centuries, women have progressed but got suppressed at the same time,” she remarked poignantly. Shabana Azmi emphasized that patriarchy remains a significant barrier, preventing women from reaching their full potential.
Renowned actor Meena, a prominent figure in both Tamil and Malayalam cinema, shared her personal experiences, reflecting on the fact that individual narratives may vary. “People have opened up about their individual experiences. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered anything negative in the industry,” she stated. This indicates a varied spectrum of experiences, with some feeling relatively safer than others.
On the contrary, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, known for his outspoken nature and controversial remarks, responded sharply to questions about 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 (Hema Committee report),” he said, visibly annoyed. His response underscored the sensitive and polarizing nature of the report within the industry.
For multilingual star Priyamani, a sense of security on film sets is of utmost importance.
. She stressed the need for additional measures to ensure women’s safety. “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,” she asserted. Her viewpoint highlighted how the presence of trustworthy family members often compensates for the lack of systemic security.
Veteran actor Nasser called for a strict code of conduct within the industry to address both physical and mental well-being. “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,” he stressed. His comments reflect a growing awareness and evolving standards around the welfare of artists that go beyond physical safety.
As the evening progressed, more celebrities echoed these sentiments, bringing to light the urgent need for industry-wide reform. The glamorous event at the IIFA Utsavam doubled up as a platform for advocacy, drawing attention to critical social and professional issues that are often swept under the rug. The presence of influential personalities discussing such themes can be seen as a hopeful step forward in the quest for safer and more respectful workplaces.
In light of the Justice K Hema Committee report, it is evident that the Indian film industry is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges but also opportunities for meaningful change. The dialogue triggered by this report is not confined to the Malayalam film industry but spans across various regional and national cinemas, urging a collective introspection and action.
By leveraging their platforms and the attention they draw, these celebrities are playing a crucial role in amplifying the discourse about women’s safety and the broader cultural changes needed within the industry. Their collective voices validate the concerns raised by the Hema Committee report, paving the way for a more inclusive and respectful work environment for everyone.
Published – September 28, 2024, 03:22 pm IST
Indian cinema / entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / Malayalam cinema
