The glitz and glamour of the green carpet ahead of the IIFA Utsavam awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2024, brought together some of the brightest stars in the Indian film industry. However, this year, the dazzling array of celebrities wasn’t just posing for photographs or showcasing their stunning ensembles. Instead, they were also taking on some serious and pertinent questions from the press, with a particular focus on the Justice K Hema Committee report and women’s safety in the film industry.
The Justice K Hema Committee report, released just over a month ago, has sent ripples throughout the Malayalam film industry and sparked conversations across other film sectors as well. Celebrating 50 years in cinema, the respected veteran actress Shabana Azmi offered her thoughts on the ongoing discourse regarding women’s treatment and safety in the film industry. “You must understand that women in India have had their journey across centuries. From the 16th to the 21st century, women have progressed but also faced suppression at the same time,” stated Azmi. She emphasized that despite the progress, the Indian film industry, like many others, still has a long way to go in terms of respecting and treating women appropriately. According to her, the deeply entrenched patriarchy continues to prevent women from achieving their rightful positions and goals.
Similarly, seasoned actress Meena, who has been an integral part of several hit Tamil and Malayalam films, provided her perspective on the matter. “People have opened up about their individual experiences. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered anything negative in the industry,” she noted, underscoring the notion that every individual’s experience within the industry can vary widely. Meena’s candid remark provided a personal dimension to the ongoing debate, showcasing that while some have faced challenges, others have been somewhat shielded from the darker sides of the industry.
However, not everyone was keen to engage in this discussion. Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, known for his controversial statements and eccentric behavior at press events, expressed his clear discomfort with the line of questioning. “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 curtly responded, signaling a desire to focus on more celebratory matters as opposed to pressing industry issues.
For actress Priyamani, who has worked in multiple languages, the sense of security on film sets is critical. The actor made a heartfelt appeal for increased safety measures for women working on sets. “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,” she stressed, highlighting the importance of a supportive and secure environment to perform their professional duties without fear.
Veteran actor Nasser, known for his profound impact on Tamil cinema, called for a strict code of conduct to be implemented in the industry. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, he noted that earlier, concerns were primarily 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 added. Nasser’s remarks brought attention to the broader implications of safety, encompassing not just physical security but also mental well-being, thus advocating for a wholesome, respectful working environment.
The statements made by these figures highlight the multifaceted nature of the issue concerning women’s safety and treatment in the film industry. While some industry members have spoken about personal experiences and ongoing improvements, others have stressed the need for a more structured approach to ensure women’s safety. The conversations sparked by the Hema Committee report seem to be only the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about creating a safer and more respectful environment for women across all film industries.
As the glittering night of the IIFA Utsavam continued, it was evident that beyond the shimmer of the awards and the spotlight, the Indian film industry is grappling with significant issues that demand immediate address and thoughtful resolution, a responsibility that both the veterans and the younger generation of actors must shoulder together.
