In the wake of the Hema Committee report, which has exposed widespread sexual harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, transgender actresses Anjali Ameer and Sruthy Sithara have come forward with their experiences, shedding light on their personal challenges within the industry.

Anjali Ameer, the first transgender actor in Mollywood, recounted a troubling encounter with actor Suraj Venjaramoodu. She shared that Venjaramoodu's question about whether transgender individuals experience pleasure like females was deeply unsettling. 

Ameer reacted strongly, complaining to Mammootty and the director. Venjaramoodu subsequently apologized, and Ameer stated that since the incident, he has not behaved inappropriately towards her.

"I have never faced such traumatic experiences until Suraj Venjaramoodu asked me if transgender people feel the same pleasure as females. I am a strong person, but this question made me very angry. I warned him and reported it to Mammootty and the director. Venjaramoodu apologised and has never spoken to me in that manner again, which I appreciate," Ameer said.

Ameer noted that while most people in the industry are respectful, there is a concerning minority that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and engages in unacceptable behaviour. 

"Let me tell you there are many good people in the industry but that dosent mean there are no such people who ask for compromises or favours, there are people like that too"

She added that she has maintained professional boundaries by avoiding after-parties and remaining reserved, which she believes has protected her from significant exploitation.

Sruthy Sithara, the first trans-global actress from India who has worked in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, also shared her perspective on industry practices. Sithara revealed that the prevalence of casting couch practices and indirect pressure to engage in inappropriate activities has dissuaded many aspiring actors. She described her experiences with exploitation as mentally taxing and spoke about her strategy to avoid such situations.

"I have many friends in the industry, but the reason I am doing fewer films is because I want good roles and refuse to engage in casting couch practices. I have been blacklisted for not accepting such offers, but I made that choice to avoid later regret," Sithara said.

She praised the Telugu film industry for its comparatively respectful treatment, contrasting it with her mixed experiences in Malayalam cinema.

Sithara expressed strong support for the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and commended the efforts of Parvathy Thiruvothu, Remya Nambeesan, and Rima Kallingal for advocating on behalf of victims.

"I am proud of these WCC ladies Parvathy Thiruvothu, Remya Nambeesan, and Rima Kallingal, who have instilled faith in the victims."

She added that actress Jomol’s reaction to the situation was disappointing. "She shared her personal experience, but it does not negate the allegations made by others. It’s like if Jomol hasn’t had an accident, it doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen," Sithara said.

Sithara also condemned the humiliating notion that transgender individuals are easily accessible. "Some people believe transgenders are easy targets, which is a degrading thought. I want to clear this up once and for all—it's not true."

Both Ameer and Sithara expressed solidarity with the victims named in the Hema Committee report.