Veteran Malayalam actress Sheela has voiced strong support to the Hema Committee Report and praised the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for their efforts. Sheela described recent revelations about the Malayalam film industry as shocking and shameful and also pointed out the need to respect WCC's fight for equality.

“The police and courts ask for proof. Can we take a photo or selfie when someone suddenly comes and hugs or kisses us? Are we expected to say, ‘Let me take a photo for proof’? In the past, there were only landline phones, and there were no ways to record anything. The actors never imagined that the Hema Committee would form in the future. One cannot anticipate these situations. How can proof be provided for such matters of abuse?”

“I am so proud of the WCC and the battle they have been fighting from then until now. Just think about it! How beautiful and talented those actors are. Their careers have been affected. Their activism is truly remarkable!”

Sheela criticised the industry for paying women actors less than their male counterparts. She also cited her own experiences, noting that despite the presence of women-centric roles in films, women are still undervalued and underpaid compared to men.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday sought the complete release of the Hema Committee Report, following the findings of the report hit the Malayalam film industry with sexual abuse allegations.

The Commission stated that it is committed to furthering its efforts in addressing these matters with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the rights of women are upheld and that a safe, equitable working environment is fostered within the industry.