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Safety, sanitation, and proper facilities should be given, regardless of one’s status. You shouldn’t have to be a star to get all that - Samyuktha After making a mark in the South Indian film industry across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, Samyuktha is now gearing up for her Bollywood debut alongside Kajol in Maharagni . In a conversation with us, the actress opens up about the landmark Justice Hema Committee report that exposed the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry .
Top Picks For You Sandra Thomas criticizes Kerala Film Producers Association leadership Excerpts: ‘Setting up something like the Justice Hema Committee is a progressive move’ Malayalam cinema is celebrated for its diverse and compelling content, but it has recently come under scrutiny following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. Welcoming the report, Samyuktha says, “The Malayalam film industry, like any unorganised sector, lacks structure. It’s like being lost in a forest, where you have to find your way out, and there are chances that you could be exploited.
So, setting up something like the Justice Hema Committee is a progressive move towards improving things. This movement to create a safer, more inclusive space for women must be wholeheartedly welcomed. It could be a game-changer for the future.
” ‘You shouldn’t have to be a star to get access to basic necessities at work’ Ask Samyuktha if she had ever faced such challenges, and she replies, “In the early years of my career in Malayalam cinema, there were times I didn’t have a vanity van or a proper bathroom. I have shot in locations without proper bathrooms. However, as I reached a certain point in my career, things improved for me.
As an actress, navigating the industry requires immense courage, especially when faced with these basic challenges. Society, not just the cinema world, needs to understand the importance of boundaries and respect and that a ‘no means no’.” The actress reveals she had spoken to the Hema Committee during its investigation.
She says, “Every woman working in the film industry deserves access to basic necessities – it’s not just about pay. Safety, sanitation, and proper facilities should be given, regardless of one’s status. You shouldn’t have to be a star to get all that.
I cannot take pride in saying that I only got these basic rights later in my career. I have seen e-toilets being set up for junior artistes in the Telugu film industry. Why can’t the same be done across all industries?” RajKummar Rao and Triptii Admit to Viewing ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ ‘Stricter laws are the need of the hour; I am against any other form of trials’ Samyuktha admits she was not shocked by the findings of the Hema Committee report.
She elaborates, “Women can be exploited in any industry, not just the film industry. What’s crucial is that they shouldn’t be afraid to speak out or seek justice for their suffering. However, the power to pass judgment rests solely with the judiciary, and there shouldn’t be any other form of trial outside the court.
Every allegation made still needs to be proven in court. It is a complex issue, but the system has to be strong. Stricter laws are the need of the hour to protect women and safeguard their rights.
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