Kangana Ranaut has vociferously expressed her dissatisfaction with recent revelations regarding the severe discrimination and sexual exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, as outlined in the Hema Committee’s findings. In a candid interview with India Today, the outspoken actress highlighted that these issues are not new to her discourse, lamenting that her previous efforts to bring attention to these problems were largely ignored.
When questioned about her stance on the rape culture reportedly pervasive in the Kerala film industry and its parallels in other entertainment sectors, Kangana’s response was characteristically blunt. “I have nothing to say about the industry, it is a hopeless place,” she declared. “I have put everything at stake, from my career to my personal choices. I’ve got two legal cases pending against me. I initiated the MeToo movement, which unfortunately did not really take off. I spearheaded the parallel feminist cinema movement, only to be attacked by the very women who are now able to work in films because I fought for pay parity.” She further elaborated, “I didn’t act in films with major heroes like the Khans, Kapoors, or Kumars. When my movie ‘Emergency’ succeeds, they disappear. A decade ago, during my appearance on Aamir Khan’s ‘Satyamev Jayate,’ I openly criticized the industry’s harmful narratives, where a girl says ‘No’ and the boy says ‘Yes,’ perpetuating a disturbing culture that glorifies sexual harassment and objectification through ‘item numbers.'”
Kangana did not mince words about her disappointment with fellow women in the industry. “Maine sab ko dushman bana liya apna (I have made everyone my enemy),” she stated. “Where do we end up now? The same sexist cinema that promotes violence against women is thriving more than ever. As for this report from Kerala, I have been vocal about such issues for a long time. But where did that lead us? Nowhere. It feels futile, a waste of time and effort. These fights have brought changes in my personal life, leading me to a safer, more secure position as a woman.
. However, I cannot hide my disappointment with women who endorse and perform in item numbers, who shirk responsibility for contributing to the sexualization of young women. I am very disheartened by those who fail to support and uplift other women. Frankly, it pains me when they question my confrontations, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I am not fighting for myself. In this battle, I have only faced financial and professional losses, including missed opportunities and endorsements.”
The interview underscores Kangana’s relentless pursuit of rectifying deeply entrenched gender biases within the film industry, while also spotlighting her sense of betrayal by those who she feels should stand in solidarity with her cause. She emphasized that her fight is far from a personal vendetta, but a broader push for systemic change.
Kangana reiterated her commitment to speaking out against not just the institutionalized sexism in the industry, but also the complicity of those who benefit from the status quo without challenging it. “I’ve sacrificed so much, yet the industry remains unmoved,” she remarked. “I sought to bring the darker aspects of the industry to light, from the insidious rape culture to the endorsement of demeaning item numbers. Despite my efforts, I’m still met with indifference and resistance from those I thought would join me in this struggle.”
She went on to criticize the Hema Committee’s findings as a reflection of long-standing issues she’s been fighting against. “This report about Kerala is just another validation of everything I’ve been saying. But validation alone isn’t enough; it demands action and accountability from all stakeholders in the industry, particularly women who have the power to influence change.”
Kangana’s statements have once again ignited a conversation around the pervasive gender issues in the Indian film industry. Her forthright comments reflect her frustration with what she perceives as a lack of solidarity and a continued glorification of regressive narratives. The actress called for a unified effort to challenge and dismantle these harmful constructs, urging her peers to reflect on their roles and responsibilities.
In conclusion, Kangana Ranaut’s impassioned critique of the Malayalam film industry following the Hema Committee’s report provides a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and respect in the entertainment world. Her insistence on accountability, from both men and women in the industry, underscores the need for a collective and conscious effort to create a safer, more inclusive environment for future generations.
