Group meant to help women controlled by men: Bhagyalakshmi's veiled attack against WCC
Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi voiced doubts about the Hema Committee report, alleging that women continue to face abuse even after its release.
She claimed that, despite providing names of 18 individuals to the committee, none were contacted. Bhagyalakshmi also accused the committee of focusing solely on whether she had faced sexual abuse, with no interest in other issues.
In a veiled critique of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), she suggested that the organization, meant to support female artists, is working against their interests and alleged that certain men are behind the decisions, aiming to undermine the organization.
The controversy follows allegations from a Thrissur-based hairstylist, who claimed Bhagyalakshmi reprimanded him at an FEFKA meeting for speaking to the media. Addressing these allegations in a press conference, Bhagyalakshmi openly criticized the Hema Committee report and the WCC.
"The Hema Committee Report is limited to just one section. The Hema Committee was not willing to listen to everyone. Only four people, including myself, from the dubbing artists' and makeup artists' associations went to see them. Although names of 18 people were submitted to the committee, none of them were called. Why did the government form the Hema Committee? The purpose was to study the difficulties faced by women in the film industry and submit a report. Since the release of that report, it has continuously humiliated all women in the film world. Was that the reason for forming the committee? If so, the committee’s actions represent the greatest disgrace," Bhagyalakshmi said.
She also noted that if Justice Hema had been aware of the exploitation, she should have informed the police first. Survivors, who previously spoke with their faces covered, are now speaking openly, Bhagyalakshmi added. She has sharply criticized the WCC and called for an investigation into the drug mafia in the film industry.