The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by serious revelations following a report from the Justice Hema Committee on the mistreatment of women in the industry.
The report exposed widespread sexual harassment, exploitation, and discrimination faced by not only female junior artists but also many popular heroines.
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These women endure harsh working conditions, such as working for long hours without basic necessities like toilets, food, or shade, while more prominent actors enjoy these comforts.
Many of these women, drawn to the industry due to financial need, are often underpaid, with middlemen taking a cut of their earnings.
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The report also highlighted sexual abuse, revealing that some women are coerced into the sex trade through deceptive promises of work.
Several actresses have come forward and exposed big names from the Malayalam industry who sexually harassed them.
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In response to this, there are growing calls for action, with Maharashtra planning to form a panel to investigate similar issues in Bollywood.
Many believe that Bollywood’s issues with sexual exploitation and misconduct are even more severe than what’s been reported in smaller film industries.
Despite various scandals, Bollywood’s strong PR strategies help keep such problems out of the public eye.
The industry is thought to manage and contain negative stories effectively, often protecting influential figures from serious consequences.
The belief is that while smaller actors and lesser-known individuals may face repercussions, major stars and producers can avoid accountability through financial settlements and media control, making it seem like there are more hidden problems in Bollywood than are publicly acknowledged.
This new investigation aims to address the casting couch culture and sexual misconduct in the film industry. Veteran actress Asha Parekh has called for a high-level inquiry to ensure women’s safety in the workplace.