Swara Bhasker says Hema Commission report is ‘heartbreaking and relatable’; showbiz is not only patriarchal, but also feudal in nature

Swara Bhasker recently expressed her deep concern and solidarity after reading the findings of the Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The actor took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt note, highlighting the disturbing prominence of the revelations in the report, calling them “heartbreaking because it’s known.” She acknowledged the male and patriarchal nature of showbiz, which she believes normalizes predatory behavior and silences victims.

Swara lauded the valiant efforts of the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) for their relentless fight against sexual harassment and violence in the industry. She commended their courage in demanding that an expert committee be set up to investigate the working conditions of women and provide solutions. Swara’s note highlighted how the industry often rewards silence and labels those who speak out as “troublemakers”, thereby perpetuating a toxic environment where power dynamics favour the perpetrators.

She pointed out that these issues are not limited to the Malayalam industry alone, but are prevalent across all film industries in India. Swara wondered if other regional film industries were even dealing with such issues, and stressed the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to protect vulnerable individuals.

She wrote: “I finally got around to reading the findings of the Hema Commission report. First of all, a big hug and thank you to the brave women of the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) who have consistently raised their voices against sexual harassment and violence, who demanded that an expert committee investigate the working conditions of women in their sector and propose solutions, who testified before the Hema Commission, who held hands and offered comfort, and to all the women who have suffered sexual harassment and violence in the sector. You are heroes and you are doing the work that people in positions of power should have been doing already. Respect and solidarity with you!”

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“It was heartbreaking to read the commission’s findings. It’s even more heartbreaking because it’s known. Maybe not every detail and not every detail, but the bigger picture of what the women have testified is all too familiar. Showbiz is and has always been a male-centric industry, a patriarchal power structure. It’s also very perception-driven and risk-averse. Every day of production – shooting days, pre-production days and post-production days – are days when the meter is running and money is being spent. No one likes disruption. Even if the disruptor has made her voice heard for what is ethically correct. It’s so much more convenient and financially practical to just get on with it,” she added.

Swara added, “Showbiz is not only patriarchal, it is also feudal in nature. Successful actors, directors and producers are elevated to the status of demigods and whatever they do is permissible. If they do something untoward, the norm is for everyone around them to look away. If someone makes too much noise and does not drop an issue, label him as ‘troublemakers’ and make him bear the burden of his over-enthusiastic conscience. Silence is the convention. Silence is appreciated. Silence is practical and silence is rewarded.”

“This is happening all over the world. This is how sexual harassment in showbiz is normalized and this is how a predatory atmosphere becomes ‘the way things are.’ Let us be clear, when power relations are so skewed, newcomers and other women who accept these conditions cannot be criticized for working within a framework they did not create. Accountability must always be sought from those who hold the power and create conditions where women have no choice if they want to work,” the actor wrote.

The Hema Committee report has led to widespread debate and calls for accountability in the Malayalam film industry. Following the report, numerous female actors have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh. The revelations have elicited reactions from several celebrities, including Tanushree Dutta, Lakshmi Manchu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas and Parvathy Thiruvothu, who have joined the chorus demanding justice and change.

In her letter, Swara highlights the urgent need for systemic change in the film industry, calling for accountability in those in power and expressing solidarity with those who have courageously come forward to share their experiences.