There has been a stir in the film industry since the Justice Hema Committee report came out. This report has revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. After the report came out, many artists have come under fire. Meanwhile, Bengali actress Srilekha Mitra has narrated her ordeal. The actress has accused famous Malayalam director and chairperson of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, Ranjit, of misbehavior.
Srilekha Mitra made big allegations
While talking to the media, Mitra told about this incident which happened in the year 2009. This happened during Ranjit’s film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha. The actress said that she had met Ranjit at his house in connection with a film, where she did not like the director’s behavior. Mitra told that she felt uncomfortable while talking to Ranjit about the story of the film.
Srilekha Mitra told that she met Ranjit at his house. The actress said, ‘He was on a call. There were many people there. He was talking on the phone to a cinematographer with whom I have worked. He asked me if I wanted to talk to him (cinematographer) and then took me to another room.’
The actress told that Ranjit took her to the bedroom. She said, ‘It was dark in that bedroom and there was a balcony. When I was talking to the cinematographer on the phone, he (Ranjit) was standing next to me. He was playing with my bangles and touching my skin. Women have a sixth sense. I was feeling uncomfortable. But I thought maybe it was my thinking. I thought maybe I was thinking too much and he just wanted to see my bangles. I was not feeling good with him. It was dark in the room. He understood that I was not reacting and was not removing his hand, so he tried to play with my hair and neck. Then I came out of the room. I was not shocked. I know how work happens in the industry. There are both good and bad people here.’
Director Ranjit replied
Ranjit has completely rejected these allegations of Srilekha. Ranjit said that Srilekha had come to him for a film audition. He said, ‘Filmmaker Shankar Ramakrishnan and others were present in that flat. This alleged incident did not happen there. We did not like her performance and this was made clear to her. It is her conspiracy to raise this controversy at this time. If she takes any legal action against me, she will get the same answer.’
Big steps will be taken
On the allegations of Srilekha Mitra, Kerala’s Minister of Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian said that the state government will not protect anyone who does wrong. If the allegations against Ranjit are proved, action will be taken against him. He said that a case cannot be registered on the basis of mere allegations. At the same time, Kerala State Women’s Commission Chairperson P Satidevi said that if the allegations are proved, Ranjit should resign from the post of Chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)