Bengaluru: Calls for a committee to address sexual harassment in Kannada Film Industry

Team Udayavani, Sep 4, 2024, 3:55 PM IST

Bengaluru: In the aftermath of the Hema Committee Report in Mollywood, which exposed allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, similar demands are now emerging from other regional film industries, including Tollywood, Kollywood, and Sandalwood. Some artists from these industries are urging the formation of committees to address issues within their respective film sectors.

In Karnataka, the Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) has written to the state government, calling for the establishment of a committee to study and report on the sexual harassment and other challenges faced by women in the Kannada film industry.

FIRE—Film Industry for Rights & Equality —has worked to build gender-equitable KFI since 2017

Today 153 gender justice advocates have signed on to FIRE’s demand that KA govt constitute a retired judge-led committee to bring out report on women’s issues & sexual harassment in KFI pic.twitter.com/4AufQWjsNo

— Chetan Kumar Ahimsa / ಚೇತನ್ ಅಹಿಂಸಾ (@ChetanAhimsa) September 4, 2024

FIRE is an internal complaints committee established to provide a platform for women in the Kannada film industry to report cases of sexual harassment or other grievances. The committee includes actor and social activist Chetan Ahimsa, filmmaker Kavitha Lankesh, and other artists.

What Are the Demands?

Formation of a Committee: FIRE has submitted a formal request to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the creation of a committee led by retired judges to study and report on the issues faced by women in the Kannada film industry, particularly sexual harassment.

Implementation of Protective Regulations: The second demand is for the establishment of regulations that ensure a safe and equitable working environment for all women in the film industry.

Following people wprking in the Sandalwood have signed the letter urging the formation of a committee to address the issues faced by women in the Kannada film industry: