The green carpet ahead of the IIFA Utsavam awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2024, wasn’t merely a showcase of glitz and glamour. While many celebrities posed for photographs in their stylish attires, some took the opportunity to address significant issues, answering media queries that resonated well beyond the film industry.
The limelight this year was not just on the dazzling outfits but also on the Justice K Hema Committee report, which has shaken the Malayalam film industry for over a month. The report, which covers the treatment of women in the industry, has prompted conversations across different Indian film industries.
Celebrating her remarkable 50-year journey in cinema, veteran actress Shabana Azmi stressed the long road still ahead in treating women with respect in the industry. “You must understand that women in India have had their journey across centuries,” said Azmi. “From the 16th to the 21st century, women progressed but also faced suppression. Patriarchy has consistently hindered women from achieving their goals.”
Azmi’s remarks struck a chord, highlighting societal issues that extend well beyond the film sets. Reflecting on her illustrious career, she emphasized that true progress can only be achieved when women are respected in all walks of life.
Seasoned actor Meena, known for her roles in several hit Tamil and Malayalam films, provided a personal perspective on the issue. “People have opened up about their individual experiences. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered anything negative in the industry,” she said calmly, hinting at the variability of individuals’ experiences within the same professional environment.
Shine Tom Chacko, a Malayalam actor known for his often controversial statements and eccentric behaviors at press conferences, appeared visibly agitated when asked about the Hema Committee report. “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),” he retorted. His reaction underscored the tension and sensitivity that the report has generated within the industry.
For Priyamani, an actor who has worked in multiple languages, the sense of safety on film sets is non-negotiable. She shared her practice of bringing family members along to ensure her security. “My mother or sister would come along with me for shoots until very recently. I felt secure in their presence,” she stated. Priyamani emphasized the need for additional security measures for women on sets, suggesting that if the film productions cannot ensure safety, it falls upon individuals to make personal arrangements.
Veteran actor Nasser voiced his call for a strict code of conduct within the film industry. Recounting his early days in cinema, he observed that concerns about the safety of artists were once solely physical. “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 comments highlighted the need for comprehensive regulations to foster a safe and respectful working environment.
The IIFA Utsavam awards event thus became a platform not just for celebrating cinematic achievements but also for addressing the pressing issue of women’s safety in the industry. Many celebrities used their visibility to steer the conversation towards creating a more respectful and secure environment for women, not just in films but across all sectors.
Published – September 28, 2024 03:22 pm IST
Indian cinema
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entertainment (general)
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arts, culture and entertainment
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Malayalam cinema
