Actress Minu Muneer, who has raised allegations against prominent actors Mukesh, Jayasuriya, Maniyanpillai Raju, Edavela Babu, producer advocate Chandrasekharan, and production controllers Noble and Vichu, spoke in detail to Mathrubhumi about her bitter experiences in the film industry and the trauma that followed.

Q. When was the first assault, and who was the villain in that story?

It was during 2008-09 when I started my acting career. My first chance was in Balachandra Menon’s ‘De Ingottu Nokkiye’. In that film, I played the role of a Chief Secretary. The shooting location was at the secretariat. When I was coming out of the bathroom inside the secretariat, Jayasuriya came from behind, forcibly hugged, and kissed me. As I tried to flee from the scene, scared of his behavior, he followed me and said that I would be benefited if I cooperate with him. He invited me to his flat in Thiruvananthapuram. As I declined his invite, there were no further troubles from his side. However, I later realized that I had lost many opportunities because of this incident.

Q. There are serious allegations against actor and MLA Mukesh. Are you aware of the seriousness of these allegations?

It was during the shooting of the film ‘Calendar’ that I came close to Mukesh as an actor. Although he expressed his desire at that time, I didn’t take it seriously. However, he kept calling me persistently. When I was acting in Viji Thampy’s film “Nadakame Ulakam,” Mukesh was staying in the very next room at the hotel where I was staying. One night, he came, knocked on the door, and entered my room with the intention of sexually abusing me.

Later, when I tried to get a membership in AMMA, he called me over phone and used sleazy language. I was shocked to hear him use such filthy language. When I learned that my membership was denied, I asked him about the reason. He said that the members of the committee had claimed they didn’t know me. I then asked who the committee members were. He said they included Jayasuriya, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpillai Raju, and some others. Then I understood the reason.

Edavela Babu had invited me to his apartment in Kaloor to apply for AMMA membership. When I arrived, he forcibly hugged me. I pushed him away and left the apartment. When I lost some roles offered to me earlier, I realized those were due to my non-cooperation with these influential figures in the industry.

I came into this field to be an artist. I thought I would get good roles because of my natural talent in singing and dancing. However, due to the vindictive actions of these individuals, I had to leave Kerala and seek refuge in the Chennai film industry.

Q. Why are you coming forward with these allegations now?

With the release of the Hema Committee Report, many women have begun speaking out against predators. I have seen our Chief Minister speak to the media about the government's assurance to protect victims and initiate legal proceedings. I have come forward, encouraged by this situation.

Recently, a woman made an allegation against Mukesh, but he denied it, claiming it was a conspiracy by opposition parties. I want people to know Mukesh’s true character. He is a bad person. Maniyanpillai Raju claimed I was making these allegations for easy money. I don’t need money. I am a well-settled woman.

Q. You mentioned Maniyanpillai Raju also misbehaved with you 

Raju’s misbehavior was limited to verbal abuse. He kept insisting that I should go with him. Even after I firmly said no, he continued to try. He mentioned that he and others were away from their families for a long time and implied I should accompany him. Just because they are away from their families, does it mean I should go with them? Can't they bring their wives to their shooting sets?

Q. What about the others who misbehaved with you?

Advocate Chandrasekharan, a co-producer of a film in which I was also a co-producer, took me outside under the pretense of introducing me to the film’s producer. When I was speaking with the producer, Chandrasekharan went outside. When I tried to leave, the producer attempted to hug me. When I questioned this, he apologised. I then realized that Chandrasekharan had set a trap for me.

How do you want to proceed with your allegations?

I will lodge my complaints before the Special Investigation Team formed by the government to investigate crimes committed against female artists. The support we receive from the public, media, and the government is very encouraging. The perpetrators should be brought to justice at any cost.