Senior Malayalam actor Sheela flays those demanding proof in harassment cases: ‘Can we take selfie when someone suddenly hugs or kisses us?’

Although Sheela personally has not experienced harassment, she did not dismiss the traumatic experiences shared by many survivors recently.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | September 2, 2024 04:35 PM IST

3 min read

Although Sheela personally has not experienced harassment, she did not dismiss the traumatic experiences shared by many survivors recently.

Actor Sheela, one of the senior most members of Malayalam film industry, has extended solidarity to the women who have been facing challenges. (Image: Express Archives)

The latest wave of the MeToo movement in Kerala has already gained significant momentum and shaken the foundations of many powerhouses, with the accused facing both legal heat and public outrage. Meanwhile, various organisations associated with Malayalam cinema, including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), are also under heavy scrutiny for their actions — or lack thereof — and their past attempts to dismiss similar complaints as isolated cases.

The release of the Justice Hema Committee report and several allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced against many male industry members, including those from AMMA, in its aftermath, has created a rift in the industry, with various celebrities either supporting the survivors or backing the powerhouses that are in denial and have taken a defensive stand. Now, legendary actor Sheela, one of the senior most members of the industry, has come forward extending solidarity to the women who have been facing these challenges.

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“I know the struggles women go through to act in movies. There are some who come to cinema for financial reasons, while others are driven by their love for the craft. It is disheartening to see them struggle,” Manorama Online quoted her as saying. Although she personally has not experienced harassment, Sheela did not dismiss the traumatic experiences shared by many survivors recently. The National Award-winning actress also mentioned hearing numerous accounts from women on set about their unfortunate experiences.

“Back then, there were neither the opportunities nor the circumstances to speak out openly. I don’t understand why only certain actors’ names are being mentioned when so many are involved. If anyone is guilty, they should be punished,” she said, while also expressing pride in the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for their efforts to support women in the industry.

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The 79-year-old thespian further criticised those demanding proof in cases of harassment. “The police and courts ask for proof. Can we take a photo or selfie when someone suddenly comes and hugs or kisses us? Are we expected to say, ‘Let me take a photo for proof?’ In the past, there were only landline phones and there were no ways to record anything. The actors never imagined that the Hema Committee would form in the future. One cannot anticipate these situations. How can proof be provided for such matters of abuse,” she asked, Mathrubhumi reported.

Sheela also condemned the Malayalam film industry for the pay disparity between male and female actors, noting that women consistently earn less than their male counterparts.

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