Actor Sruthi Hariharan.
Kannada cinema star Sruthi Hariharan is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated forum in the Kannada film industry, modeled after the K. Hema Committee initiated by the Kerala government. This call comes in light of the chilling revelations from the Hema Committee’s report, which uncovered pervasive issues of sexual exploitation, discrimination, substance abuse, wage disparities, and poor working conditions within the Malayalam film sector.
The report has sparked a wave of allegations from female industry members, highlighting the urgent need for reform. Sruthi, celebrated for her roles in films like Lucia, Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Beautiful Manasugalu, and Nathicharami, took to social media to share her thoughts on this critical matter. She asserted that “a committee akin to the Justice K. Hema Committee is essential for a thorough and unbiased examination of women’s working conditions across all segments of the Kannada film industry.”
She emphasized, “It’s important not to sensationalize this issue by focusing solely on sexual harassment. A committee of this nature would promote women’s empowerment and tackle many other aspects as well.”
Shruthi previously made headlines in 2018 when she accused a prominent actor of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement. While the allegations were denied, the complaint led to a police investigation that ultimately concluded with no charges due to insufficient evidence. Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, “I have not regretted speaking out, but I do feel victimized for doing so, having sacrificed numerous career opportunities in a field I love.”
In a related context, prominent actresses, producers, and directors in the Telugu film industry are urging the Telangana government to release a 2022 report concerning sexual harassment cases within their sector. Notably, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has expressed her support for the Hema Committee’s findings, commending the ongoing efforts of those advocating for change.
Meanwhile, veteran actress Radhika Sarathkumar has called upon actors with political aspirations to lend their voices in support of their female colleagues, urging producers to foster a safe and welcoming environment on film sets for women artists.
