Siddique, actor and AMMA general secretary | Photo courtesy: @actor.sidhique/Instagram
The Malayalam film industry has largely reacted with caution to the release of the Hema Committee report on Monday.
The report of the committee headed by former Kerala High Court judge K Hema, set up in the wake of the sexual assault of an actor in 2017, has finally been released, albeit partially, after a prolonged legal tussle.
Actor and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) general secretary Siddique initially said that it was his duty to respond to the findings in the report and that he would respond, but he needed time to study it as he was busy travelling. However, he later responded nonetheless.
He said, “All we know is that the committee’s report has been released. However, we don’t know the details. At this point, we don’t know how it will affect us and at what point we will have to react. All the artistes are busy rehearsing for a show in Ernakulam and that is our focus right now.”
“We will react only after studying the report in detail. We will discuss it with all stakeholders including other industry bodies. We should react only after studying the report as it deals with a very sensitive matter. We should be cautious in speaking even a word about the report as any mistake by me or my colleagues can bring serious consequences. We will study the report in detail and will definitely meet the media after that,” Mr Siddiqui said.
When asked about the harassment and discrimination faced by female artistes, including junior artistes, in the report, she said corrective action should be taken. But we need to know details such as what kind of discrimination happened, who faced it and who complained, against whom the complaint was made, where it happened, etc.
‘Criminal activities’
When pointed out about the experiences shared by female artistes such as people knocking on their doors at odd hours, Mr Siddiqui said such acts cannot be justified or justified by anyone and termed it a ‘criminal activity’ which requires action. He informed that if any mistake has been committed, sincere and open-minded efforts will be made to rectify it. All film organisations will cooperate to the maximum extent in any possible action taken by the government.
B. Rakesh, secretary of the Kerala Producers Association, echoed the same sentiment and sought time to study the report.
AMMA joint secretary and actor Baburaj sought more time, citing the voluminous nature of the report. The media has shown only parts of it. Whatever needs to be done (based on the report’s findings) has to be done to the maximum extent possible.
Dressing room facilities
If female artistes are still not provided with proper dressing room facilities, as was the case earlier when artistes changed through a makeshift screen of saris, it is wrong. Now with the advent of mobile phones with cameras, insecurity has increased even more, said Mr. Baburaj, who sought a week’s time to study the report and respond to it.
Actor-director Lal said whatever issues have been raised in the report should be addressed. He said hopefully everything will be fine.
