Sandalwood—the Kannada film industry—is slowly waking up to the need for a healthy and safe work environment.
Subsequent to the Justice Hema Committee report that highlighted the sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, a Bengaluru-based cinema industry group, FIRE (Film Industry for Rights and Equality), has demanded the Karnataka government to appoint a similar committee headed by a retired judge to conduct a thorough investigation into the "systemic issues" faced by women in the industry including sexual harassment and also recommend a policy for a healthy and equitable work environment for women in the industry.
In a letter signed by 153 prominent persons including leading actors, directors, producers, film critics, writers, journalists and activists, FIRE, which was set up in 2018 to advocate for the rights and equality of individuals within the film and entertainment industry, has proposed that a retired judge of the high court or the Supreme Court who has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender justice during his or her years of service should head the committee.
It has also insisted that the proposed committee should investigate and submit a report within three months and the report is made public without any delay.
In its plea, FIRE has sought immediate action to address the concerns in Sandalwood, while placing on record that it was instrumental in establishing India's first ever Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the film industry. The body that has been advocating for the survivors of sexual harassment, demands that there is a need for comprehensive measures to create a healthy, safe and equitable work environment for all.
Actor-turned-social activist Chethan Ahimsa, the secretary of FIRE, said several organisations including Karnataka film industry, had signed the appeal. Prominent actors Sudeep, Shruti Hariharan, Kishore, Ramya (Divya Spandana), Aindritha Ray, Digant are among the signatories to the letter.
