There is a stir in the most prominent Malayalam film industry of South Cinema these days. After complaints of sexual harassment of female artists surfaced, the Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which will investigate this matter prominently. It includes many senior female IPS officers. Due to allegations of sexual harassment, two prominent personalities of Malayalam cinema, actor Siddiqui and director Ranjit, have resigned from their posts. Female artists are continuously coming forward to accuse other film personalities including an MLA of the ruling CPM of sexual harassment.
The report of the Justice Hema Committee constituted for this case has revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. A Malayalam actress accused Association of Malayalam Movie Artists General Secretary Siddique of sexual harassment. After this, he resigned from the post of General Secretary. He officially submitted his resignation to AMMA President Mohanlal. A Bengali actress accused famous producer-director Ranjit of sexual harassment, after which he also resigned from the Kerala Chalachitra Academy in view of the criticism.
After resigning, actor Siddiqui said, “Yes, I have given my official resignation to the organization’s president Mohanlal. Because there were allegations against me. So I decided not to remain in the post.” The actress who accused him of sexual abuse has claimed that she was sexually abused when she was 21 years old. She said, “This incident happened during a Malayalam film which was being shown in Neela Theater. He called me to Mascot Hotel to talk about the film. During the conversation, he lovingly called me daughter, but he was doing wrong things with me.”
‘Called to hotel after offering film role, sexually exploited’
The actress said, “At that time I had no idea what was going on in his mind. I had gone to that hotel for a professional meeting. I had no idea that all this would happen to me there. When I grew up, I realized that no such film was made. He sexually abused me in the hotel. It was all a conspiracy to trap me. Whatever he said was all a lie. There are many people like me who have been sexually abused and are alive today. I know what I am saying in the media, but if I don’t say it, no one will know how he behaved with me.”
Actress’s allegation- I was forcibly touched, kicked when I protested
The actress further said, “He touched me without my permission. When I protested, he kicked me. He is a criminal. He is living a false life. I hope he has a mirror in his house in which he can see himself. If not, I will be very happy to gift it to him. So that he can see his real face.” After these allegations, senior actor Siddiqui resigned from his post. The Kerala government has now handed over this case to the SIT, as a large number of female artists have mentioned incidents of sexual abuse against them. Hundreds of people have been accused.
Bengali actress said- I know about this industry
The Bengali actress who accused director Ranjit said that they met at his house. He was on a call at that time. There were many people there. He was talking to a cinematographer on the phone. The actress said, “After this he took me to another room. It was dark. There was also a balcony there. He asked me to talk to that cinematographer, when I started talking, he stood next to me. Started playing with my bangles. He was touching my skin. I was feeling uncomfortable. He tried to touch my hair and neck, so I came out of the room. I know how things work in the industry.”
Director Ranjit alleges conspiracy against him
After resigning, director Ranjit said that he does not want to continue in this post as it will adversely affect the reputation of the Left government in the state. He said that he will fight the allegations against him through legal means. He said, “Ever since I took over as the chairman of the academy, a certain section of people have been targeting me. I have to prove to the society that the allegations are false. I have decided to move ahead through legal means and bring out the truth. Many people including the media are attacking me without understanding the truth. Hence, I have decided to step down from the post.”
Kerala government minister said- Left government is with the victim
Kerala’s cultural affairs minister Saji Cherian said the government will accept the filmmaker’s resignation, reiterating that the Left government has always stood with victims in issues related to sexual harassment and abuse. He also rejected allegations against him that he tried to protect the accused director. “I have always taken a strong stand in favour of women on all issues. The Left government’s stand in this case is also very clear. We always stand with the victims in such cases. Strictest action will be taken against those who do wrong,” he said.
Famous actor Anoop Chandran said resignation is necessary
Famous actor Anoop Chandran said that he had sent an email to Mohanlal on Sunday morning, explaining in detail the need for Siddique’s resignation. He said, “It is indeed an insult to the entire organisation for a person facing serious allegations to continue in the post. So I said in the email that if Siddique is not ready to step down on his own, then the executive committee should be ready to oust him.” Malayalam actress Mala Parvati said that Siddique’s decision to resign was morally and ethically right.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)