Malayalam film actor and politician Radikaa Sarathkumar has alleged that secret cameras were installed in caravans for women, claiming unsafe work environment is a perennial hazard for women in the industry.
The startling allegations arrive amid an upheaval in the wake of the Hema Committee report which has unearthed instances of sexual harassment in Mollywood. In the aftermath of an assault case on an actress involving actor Dileep in 2017, the Kerala government had appointed a panel to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality. The Justice K Hema Committee in its report recorded explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation and ill-treatment of female professionals in the film industry and alleged that a “criminal gang" is controlling the industry where unyielding women are squeezed out.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Sarathkumar said she still is scared to use the caravan. “When I was working in a film, I was just crossing a group of four people laughing and sniggering watching a video. So my eyes automatically went that side and I saw that they were watching something inappropriate. I called one of them and asked what they were watching. He said they are watching women who are changing clothes in caravans. I was really… really shocked and perturbed because it was concerning my safety now and I did not want to be seen like that by anybody. I think we were being compromised. We had an argument and then they said these are all old videos. I asked them to delete every video they had. There was nothing much I could do because I was leaving for the airport."
While Radikaa’s statements have created shockwaves on social media, she said actors Mohanlal and Dileep reached out to her to hear her side.
“After hearing my side of this story, everybody reached out to me, including Mohanlal sir and Dileep. They called me and told me that you could have told us. I told them that I handled it myself, but now that you are discussing the safety of women, please keep this in mind. Please make sure we are protected and safe," Radikaa said.
She said: “I’m petrified to use caravans even now. I keep telling all actors to be careful. Even now, I send my assistant first to check if there are hidden cameras. It has been quite a trauma for me…"
She alleged rampant sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry too. “#MeToo movement started in Bollywood. It died down after sometime. Now it has once again resurfaced after the Hema Committee report. I see it as something against all women in this industry."
She says she too has faced these issues. “Yes. I have faced problems. Every woman has a story from my house help to a collector to Jayalalithaa."
Radikaa urged the Nadigar Sangam, the association of South Indian film artistes, to form a committee and expedite justice. “There has to be a lot of dialogue and everybody has to come together to address this issue."
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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