The green carpet ahead of the IIFA Utsavam awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2024, was brimming with glitz and glamour. However, it wasn’t solely a night of glittering fashion and proud display of designer wear. Several noted celebrities took a moment to address the media on crucial issues such as the Justice K. Hema Committee report and women’s safety within the film industry, stirring up a conversation that goes far beyond the silver screen.
The Justice K. Hema Committee report, released over a month ago, has sent ripples through the Malayalam industry and sparked discussions across various film fraternities. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, honoring her 50th anniversary in cinema, did not shy away from addressing the core issues highlighted by the report. “The journey of women in India spans centuries. From the 16th to the 21st century, women have progressed yet faced suppression simultaneously,” remarked Azmi. She emphasized that while the industry has made some strides in respecting women, it still has a substantial distance to cover. According to Azmi, deeply ingrained patriarchy significantly hinders women from achieving their full potential.
While some celebrities offer generalized perspectives on these pertinent issues, others give personal testimonies. Seasoned actress Meena, known for her extensive work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, shared her individual experiences. “I can only speak from a personal perspective,” she noted. “Fortunately, I have not encountered anything negative in the industry.” Nonetheless, Meena acknowledged the broad spectrum of experiences faced by others and commended individuals who have bravely shared their stories, thereby contributing to the larger conversation about women’s safety in the film industry.
On the other hand, bringing a completely different twist to the evening, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, famous for his contentious remarks and quirky behavior at press conferences, opted to dodge the topic altogether. Visibly perturbed by the media’s insistence, Chacko retorted, “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].” His response highlighted the varying degrees of receptivity among industry insiders regarding the sensitive subject matter.
Multilingual actress Priyamani expressed a strong stance on the necessity of safety measures on film sets. For her, the sense of security is indispensable. Detailing her personal measures, she shared, “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.” This sentiment resonates with many within the industry, emphasizing that the responsibility of safety often falls on the individuals themselves when institutional measures fall short.
Adding his voice to the discussion, veteran actor Nasser underscored the importance of implementing a strict code of conduct within the film industry. “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 asserted. Nasser’s call for a healthier, more respectful working environment reflects a growing recognition within the industry of the multi-faceted nature of safety and well-being.
Further discussions on the implications of the Justice K. Hema Committee report and the measures to improve women’s safety in the film industry are expected in the coming months. Regardless of the glitter and glamour that such events exude, these crucial conversations remind us that the spotlight must also shine on the critical issues affecting the industry’s very core.
As the event proceeded, the balance between celebrating cinematic achievements and addressing serious concerns became the evening’s hallmark. The echoes of the Hema Committee report and the calls for stronger protective measures resonated alongside the applause for artistic excellence, underscoring an industry on the cusp of both tremendous growth and transformative change.
Published – September 28, 2024, 03:22 pm IST
Indian cinema / entertainment (general) / arts, culture, and entertainment / Malayalam cinema
