Karnataka film fraternity urges CM to form panel to address sexual harassment in industry

Bengaluru: The Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking the constitution of a committee to look into any cases of sexual harassment of women in the Kannada film industry.

The demand comes in the wake of the ‘Hema Committee’ report highlighting the ‘systemic injustice’ faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The letter, addressed to the Chief Minister, has been signed by 153 members of the Kannada film industry.

In a letter addressed to the top brass of the government, FIRE, said, “We propose that a retired judge of the high court or Supreme Court who has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender justice over her/his years of service be appointed to head the committee.”

“The committee should conduct a thorough investigation into the systemic issues faced by women in Karnataka film industry, including sexual harassment and develop and recommend policies to ensure a healthy and equitable work environment for all women in the industry,” the letter added.

Prominent among the signatories include actors like Sudeep, Kishore, Aindrita Ray, Pooja Gandhi, Diganth and Sruthi Hariharan.

DH spoke to a host of actors to understand the need for a committee of this nature and what specific issues the committee must address.

Kavitha Lankesh, filmmaker and president of FIRE, told DH, “We want to set up a committee with a retired judge and various voices, including feminist activists and women from the industry. This should be done to prevent repercussions faced by victims for speaking out against any exploitation they may have faced; they should continue to have career opportunities. We hope the committee will be an independent body and not used as an arm of any political party.”

Chetan Ahimsa, actor and secretary of FIRE, told DH that the culture of protectionism of those who are perpetuating sexual harassment and gender discrimination must stop. “The system itself protects the powerful vested interests. The woman or the victim is silenced or character-assassinated. We first need official evidence and proof. We need a committee to say this has happened for generations. The Hema Committee has done this and broken down the power structures and how it protects the self-interest of the patriarchal system,” said Chetan. He also added that the committee could address other pertinent issues such as toilets and changing stations for women. “We need to see what other industries have done around the world but a strong internal complaints committee (ICC) is the way forward,” he said.

Actor Sruthi Hariharan emphasised that this committee is not just meant to look into matters pertaining to sexual harassment but also work for better working conditions. “Sexual harassment is only a part of it not the whole thing. We want junior artistes, make-up artistes, fashion designers and any woman working on the set to have better working conditions. Ideally, there should have been an ICC to address these issues. But, better late than never.”

Creative field needs a system where people are held accountable, said actor Chaitra Achar. “Be it better payment, sexual assault or even a casual comment passed on the sets of a film --- if women feel unsafe, they need a place to go to and talk to someone about it. If such committees exist then everyone involved in the industry will feel safe.”