Mumbai: The Hema Committee Report has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, unveiling startling instances of sexual harassment against women. The findings have reignited discussions around the MeToo Movement, a social media campaign that gained significant traction across various Indian entertainment sectors, including Bollywood, where numerous harrowing stories of the casting couch emerged. However, in a stirring revelation, acclaimed television actress Kamya Punjabi has asserted that such abuses do not permeate the television industry.
Kamya Punjabi, a veteran of the television industry with an illustrious career spanning multiple decades, shared her perspectives in an exclusive interview with News 18. Punjabi has confidently asserted that the television industry operates on mutual consent and is free of the coercive and exploitative practices highlighted by other sectors. “Television has been very clean,” she declared. “I don’t know what used to happen in the past, but now it is very clean. There is no such filth here. People aren’t forced or blackmailed here. There is no casting couch. If you fit a role, you have talent, you will be selected for the show. I feel television is the safest place in the entertainment industry. Sexual abuse does not happen here. Whatever happens, happens by mutual consent. Nobody is telling anyone to sleep with them in promise of a role.”
Kamya’s remarks stand in stark contrast to the distressing accounts from other sectors of the entertainment industry. Her comments have sparked discussions on the varying degrees of ethical practices across different entertainment platforms. She reinforced her stance by sharing that even if some actors in the television field do exhibit inappropriate behavior, clear boundaries ensure that no coercion takes place. “Some actors are womanizers, but if you stop it, if you make it very clear, such things do not happen. Nobody is being forced to do this. It’s not like someone will touch you inappropriately, and you’ll feel uncomfortable. If you tell them, ‘Hello, I don’t like it,’ you will not be touched. We have seen actors who get crazy for girls, but nobody forces nobody.
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The assertion by Kamya about the clean nature of the television industry presents a reassuring narrative for aspiring actors and actresses concerned about workplace harassment. She noted that the atmosphere on television sets remains professional and respectful, significantly contributing to the overall safety and comfort levels of those working within it.
Kamya did, however, acknowledge that tales of such unsavory experiences do exist. She mentioned that she has heard from a few individuals who claimed to have faced uncomfortable situations. However, she firmly believes that in the television industry, such incidents are rare and preventable. “I know of some people who say that such things have happened to them. But again, if a girl does not want, it will not happen. It does not happen in the television industry. I don’t know about films or OTT, but it does not happen in TV.”
Reflecting on her personal experiences, Kamya shared insights into navigating professional relationships within the industry. She emphasized on setting boundaries and communicating discomfort if and when it occurs. Her candid discussion highlights the need for clear policies and a culture of respect in all entertainment sectors to prevent harassment and abuse.
Despite her optimistic view of the television industry, Kamya also touched upon her personal life, revealing that she once had a tumultuous relationship with her co-actor Karan Patel. Their relationship ended amidst allegations of Patel two-timing her, showcasing that personal and professional lives in the industry can get complicated, but needn’t overshadow professional integrity.
Kamya reinforced that vigilance and assertion of personal comfort play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy working environment. She reiterated that talent and suitability should remain the cornerstone for making it in the industry. “If you fit a role, you have talent, you will be selected for the show,” she stated. “Sexual abuse does not happen here. Whatever happens, happens by mutual consent. Nobody is telling anyone to sleep with them in the promise of a role.”
Her powerful message serves as both a reassurance and a call to action, highlighting that while the television industry may be a safer space, it is paramount for individuals to maintain their own boundaries and assert their comfort levels to ensure that this safety continues to be upheld. Moving forward, the revelations from the Hema Committee Report bring a critical eye on other sectors to follow suit by adopting similar ethical standards and safeguarding practices.
