Photo: Facebook/@RadikaaSarathkumar
The Tamil and Telugu film industries have also come under scrutiny following the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlighted problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Veteran Tamil actor Radhika Sarathkumar has urged her colleagues to speak out on the matter of women's safety.
Radhika stated in response to a query on actor Rajinikanth's recent claim that he was unaware of the Hema Committee report saying, “If Rajinikanth said doesn’t know about it, that means he doesn’t know.”
However, she also said: “Let me tell you (men in the industry), your silence will be mistaken. If you think ‘Why should I talk about it’ or ‘How should I talk about it’, let me tell you it is not a tough thing. Say, ‘I extend all the help to ensure safety for women…’ This single statement will provide huge relief to an affected woman, maybe to a junior artiste unknown to you.”
“Every hero will know which heroines are affected in this system. Every artiste and director knows it. But if men utter this one sentence in solidarity, it will be a reprieve for all women,” she said, Indian Express reported.
She also noted that several actors in Tamil cinema have political aspirations. “You are all craving to stand and speak for people, aren’t you? Why don’t you speak out for your women colleagues?” she asked.
According to Radhika, the industry's circumstances have "seemingly" improved, indicating a decrease in the prevalence of risk indicators. She said that safety is still very important, especially for character actors and dancers.
“Producers should take care of them. We should ask them to come and file a complaint if they have a bad experience. Otherwise, men will ask the most common question – why do women come forward with complaints after five years?” she said.
She further said, “Who will understand the pain of a woman? The pain she endured over those five years, the responsibilities of running a family… Women in all sectors — whether househelps, IT professionals, or top chefs — should have safety in all workplaces.”
She added that a lot of performers are afraid to talk to the media for fear that what they have to say will be misinterpreted or altered to make a headline. A few days prior, Radhika had disclosed an unsettling incident during her time on a Malayalam movie set, when she said that hidden cameras were positioned inside the caravans that female performers used to change into new clothes.
To protect safety on film sets, she advocated for the creation of strong committees with legal and law enforcement experts, akin to HR departments in corporate settings. “We are not helpless women. We are strong women. But there should be protection for all women working here,” she said.
Other prominent individuals in the Tamil industry have responded in varying ways. Actor Jeeva recently played off worries, stating that there were just problems in Kerala and not in the Tamil industry. Actor Vishal announced at the same time that a committee should be formed to look at the problems affecting women in the Tamil film industry.
The biggest celebrity in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth, stated he was unaware of the Hema Committee report. The report's publication has sparked new debates on other unresolved allegations.
The singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who has been outspoken about her experiences with harassment, reminded people on social media of the problems that still exist in Tamil cinema. She claimed that influential people in the industry are still standing by a well-known songwriter who has been accused of misbehaviour by multiple women.