In December 2019, the Kerala government received a significant report from the Justice Hema Committee. This report, submitted by a three-member commission led by retired Justice K Hema, delved deep into the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. After a long wait of four-and-a-half years, this crucial report was finally made public, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by women in the industry.
Formation of the Hema Committee
The Hema Committee was formed shortly after the shocking sexual assault of a well-known Malayalam actress in 2017. The government took this incident seriously and established the committee to investigate the struggles of women in the film industry. The committee was composed of three members: Justice K Hema (retired), former bureaucrat KB Valsalakumari, and veteran actress Sharada. Their task was to study and report on the various issues faced by women working in the Malayalam cinema.
Key Findings of the Report
The Hema Committee report covers a range of problems that women in the Malayalam film industry face. Some of the major issues highlighted in the report include:
- Sexual Harassment: The report discusses the prevalence of sexual harassment in the industry. Many women shared their painful experiences, revealing how they were forced to work in an environment where they felt unsafe.
- Lack of Basic Facilities: Women in the industry often face a lack of basic facilities such as toilets and changing rooms on set. This neglect makes their work environment uncomfortable and challenging.
- Gender Bias and Discrimination: The report highlights the discrimination and gender bias that women encounter. Despite their talent and hard work, they are often treated unfairly compared to their male counterparts.
- Disparity in Remuneration: The report also sheds light on the wage gap between male and female actors. Women are often paid significantly less than men, even when they play equally important roles.
- Absence of a Legal Authority: The report stresses the need for a legally-constituted authority to address the problems faced by women in the industry. Without such a body, many issues remain unresolved, leaving women vulnerable.
Shocking Incident Revealed in the Report
One of the most disturbing revelations in the report involves a female actor who had to work with a man who had previously sexually assaulted her. The actress shared her harrowing experience with the committee. In one instance, she had to act in a scene where she played the wife of her abuser. The scene required her to hug him, which caused her immense mental and physical distress. Due to this, she struggled to perform the scene, leading to multiple retakes. Instead of understanding her trauma, the filmmaker criticized her for not performing well.
The report quotes the actress: “On the next day onwards, she had to work with the same man as husband and wife hugging each other. That was terrible because of what was done to her during the shooting, and her resentment and hatred had reflected during shooting.”
Perception of Women in Cinema
The report reveals the negative perceptions that exist in the film industry about women. There is a widespread belief that women join the cinema only for money and fame, and that they are willing to compromise their dignity to get roles. The report states: “In cinema, there is a general assumption that women come to cinema to make money and she will surrender to anything. The men in cinema cannot even imagine that it is because of the passion for art and acting that a woman comes to the movie.”
Fear of Speaking Out
The report highlights the fear that prevents women from speaking out against the injustices they face. Women who do raise their voices are often labeled as troublemakers and are ostracized by the industry. This forces many to endure the abuse silently. The report mentions that one witness was asked whether other women had similar experiences. She responded that they might have, but they are too scared to speak out.
Cyberbullying and Trolling
The report also touches upon the vicious nature of cyberbullying and trolling that women face when they speak out. This fear of being targeted online further discourages women from reporting their experiences.
The Hema Committee report provides a grim insight into the struggles of women in the Malayalam film industry. It exposes the deep-rooted issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, and the lack of basic facilities. The report also highlights the need for a legal body to protect the rights of women in the industry. The release of this report is a crucial step towards addressing these problems and ensuring a safer and more equitable environment for women in cinema.
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