Tamil movie industry to set up panel on lines of Hema Committee to address sexual assault complaints

Chennai: Following the footsteps of Kerala, Tamil Nadu is also planning to clean up its film industry. On the lines of the Hema Committee report that sparked controversy in the Malayalam film industry, Tamil actors' organisation ‘Nadikar Sangham’ has decided to investigate and take action against sexual assaults against actresses in the Tamil movie industry. 

Sangham general secretary Vishal informed that a ten-member committee will be formed within ten days. 

Even before the Hema Committee report came out, many like singer Chinmayi, actress Sri Reddy, actor Sarathkumar's daughter Varalakshmi and actress Aishwarya Rajesh had raised complaints. But all that got bogged down in the ‘Me Too’ controversy. However, the developments in Kerala rekindled the responsiveness of the actresses in Tamil Nadu as well. 

Director and lyricist Damayanti said that gender discrimination has taken over the Tamil film industry. Actress Samantha opined that through the Hema Committee report, the heinous sexual exploitations have come to light and justice should be given to the victims. Serial actress Srinidhi revealed the incident where she and her mother was asked to compromise for opportunities. Actress and member of the BJP national executive committee Khushbu also responded earlier that women should stand up against sexual exploitation. 

Chinmayi, however, is of the opinion that forming a committee like the Hema committees in the Tamil cinema industry will not help. She held that even if such a committee was set up, a report would be prepared that the Tamil film industry is safe for everyone. Writer Meena Kandasamy said that the speedy action is due to the increased political awareness in Kerala, but it is doubtful how effective it will be in Tamil Nadu.
Chinmayi also said that the report of the Hema Committee should be looked carefully, and held that the strength of women in Malayalam cinema has led to such an action. 

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu State Information and Technology Department Minister P Swaminathan responded that no sexual harassment complaint from Tamil Nadu was received so far.