Female actors ‘adjust’ to bag roles in films: Actress Rohini files complaint against doctor

Actress Rohini has filed a complaint against Dr Kantharaj for making derogatory comments about Tamil film actresses. The Chennai Cyber Crime Police have registered a case under five sections of the law based on her complaint. Actors' organisation ‘Nadigar Sangam’ had recently formed a committee with Rohini as its chairperson to look into the complaints of gender-based violence faced by women in the Tamil film industry. 

Following this, the actress filed a complaint against Dr Kantharaj, who produces YouTube content related to politics and cinema. 

He had made controversial statements in an interview he gave to the YouTube channel My India 24x7, in which he  claimed that actresses often make compromises to secure roles in films and that they negotiate with actors, directors, cinematographers and other technical staff for opportunities. 

He also suggested that actresses are aware of these dynamics before entering the industry, but only complain years later. 

Rohini’s complaint was prompted by these remarks.

Rohini filed her complaint with Police Commissioner A Arun, which was then forwarded to the Chennai Cyber Crime Unit. She has requested that action be taken against Dr Kantharaj and that his interview, which portrays actresses in a negative light, be removed from YouTube. 

“His speech not only insults actors, but also misleads women who want to enter this industry. We strongly condemn his statement and demand criminal action against Dr Kantharaj. The video should be removed from the YouTube channel," Rohini said in her complaint.

Last month the Hema Committee report on issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry was released. Inspired by this, the Vishaka Committee was formed under the leadership of Nadigar Sangam in Tamil Cinema, appointing Rohini as the chairperson.