Swara Bhaskar Finds Hema Committee Report On Malayalam Film Industry 'Heartbreaking'

New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) Actor Swara Bhasker has highlighted the patriarchal nature of the showbiz industry, stating that women who speak up are often labelled troublemakers. Her comments come in response to the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, which has sparked widespread reactions and encouraged more people to share their experiences.

Bhasker, known for her candid views on social issues, expressed her thoughts on Instagram after reading the 233-page report by the government-appointed panel. She questioned whether other language industries in India are addressing such issues and stressed the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to prevent ongoing abuses of power. "It has been heartbreaking to read the findings of the committee," she wrote.

The actor pointed out that showbiz is inherently male-dominated and risk-averse. She noted that production days involve significant financial investments, making disruptions unwelcome even if they are ethically justified. "It's so much more convenient and financially practical to just carry on," Bhasker stated in her post shared on Tuesday night.

The extensive report was released on August 19, following a 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep. The Kerala government had formed a panel to investigate sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. Bhasker added that silence is often rewarded in showbiz, describing it as both patriarchal and feudal.

Bhasker emphasised that successful actors, directors, and producers are often treated like demi-gods, with their actions going unquestioned. "If someone makes too much noise and doesn't let an issue drop, label them 'trouble makers' and let them bear the brunt of their over enthusiastic conscience," she said.

She also highlighted how sexual harassment is normalised globally through silence. "This happens everywhere in the world. This is how sexual harassment in showbiz is normalised and this is how a predatory atmosphere becomes 'the way things are'," Bhasker wrote.

Support for Women in Cinema Collective

The actor praised members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) who demanded an expert committee from the Kerala government to examine working conditions in their industry. She expressed solidarity with women who spoke up and those who provided support to each other. "You are heroes and you are doing the work that people in positions of greater power ought to have done already: Respect and solidarity with you!"

On Tuesday, Mohanlal, a celebrated actor and president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A), resigned along with other top officials amid backlash over sexual abuse allegations against some members. Several women actors have publicly accused well-known figures like director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh of sexual harassment following the report's release.

Bhasker concluded by stating that accountability should be sought from those who hold power and create conditions where women have no choice but to accept these circumstances if they want work. She reiterated that newcomers and other women cannot be blamed for working within a framework they did not create.