Amid a number of cinema artistes coming forward to narrate their tales of horror while working in the film industry, where they are asked to “compromise” or be “ready for adjustments” to secure a role, senior actor Sajitha Madathil shares her experience.
While many feel that the Hema Commission report, as well as the special investigation team probing the matter, has empowered those who have faced sexual and mental harassment at work, Sajitha says it is also a time to wake up and bring about systemic change. Change that would lead to better leadership and give women more responsible roles, even in associations.
“This churn that we see must not be viewed entirely negatively. See it as an opportunity that will help people become more gender-sensitive in the industry. This will lead to more leadership roles for women in associations and panels in the film industry. It will also allow women to feel safe, and issues will be dealt with more sensitively,” Sajitha says.
She also questioned the reasons behind the resignations seen in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
“Is it because they cannot face the situation, or have they taken moral responsibility for what has happened to so many women actors, leading them to resign en masse? Or was it the fear that they would be forced to resign?” she asked.
Sajitha believes the fact that the Kerala government set up the Hema Committee, as well as the SIT, is a good sign, but it should also lead to a logical end that ensures justice for the women who have come forward to record their statements.
Sajitha says she too has faced harassment in her workplace. She recalls an incident where an associate of a director from the Tamil film industry called her regarding a film role. He spoke to her in detail about the role and, after a few minutes on the call, asked, “Would you be ready for adjustments if need be? I am sure you understand what I mean by that,” Sajitha told News18, explaining how shocked she was when she heard that.
The Malayalam actress, who has held senior positions such as deputy director of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy as well as professor of acting at the KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, had entered the world of cinema in her forties, she recalls, and this incident took place at the peak of her career.
“I was shocked when he said that. I did not expect anybody to approach me in that manner. The way he said it was loaded with meaning. It was as if I wouldn’t get the role if I didn’t agree to ‘adjustments’,” she said.
After the incident, Sajitha decided to address the issue head-on. She posted about the role that the associate had mentioned on her social media page.
“I mentioned the role and asked my friends if they would be interested in it. I also said that there was a minor glitch — there might be a demand to make ‘adjustments’ if they wanted the role. I even posted the man’s mobile phone number,” she said. The person who made the calls was flooded with messages pulling him up for his statements.
“Soon enough, I got a call from him apologising,” Sajitha recalled. “He asked me to remove the post, but I stood my ground.”
Sajitha, who has been actively working towards getting women fixed payment with proper contracts, healthy working conditions, and safe spaces for artistes, as well as proper documentation for remuneration so that junior artistes are paid fairly, is hopeful for change. As part of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), she also says that she hopes the Kerala government calls the WCC for further dialogue on their endeavours.
“Many of the junior artistes don’t get their full pay as much of it goes in commission taken by the agent. Many of the contracts are verbal,” Sajitha said.
Calling the present status of the Kerala cinema industry a long, hard fight, she sees hope at the end of the tunnel, one that will herald a new beginning for Malayalam cinema and the artistes working in it.
Disclaimer: As per legal and ethical guidelines, we generally refrain from naming victims in cases of sexual harassment or assault. The inclusion of the name in this article is based on the fact that the individual has publicly identified themselves in connection with the case. We respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals involved and urge readers to approach the matter sensitively.
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