Khushbu Sundar welcomes Hema Commission report, talks about child abuse by father

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Updated: Aug 28, 2024 5:54 PM IST

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) (India), August 28 (ANI): Actress-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar has opened up about the abuse she faced at the hands of her father as a child. She acknowledged the recent Hema Committee report that exposed rampant sexual exploitation, illegal bans and inhuman working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.
In a post on X, Khushbu discussed her past, speaking about the impact of her father’s abuse and her late decision to speak out about it.
“As women and mothers, the wounds inflicted by such violence cut deep, not only in the flesh but in the soul. These atrocities shake the foundations of our trust, our love and our strength. Behind every mother is a will to nurture and protect, and when that sanctity is broken, it affects us all,” she said.
“Some ask me why I waited so long to talk about my father’s abuse. I agree that I should have spoken sooner. But what happened to me was not a compromise to build my career. I was abused by the person who should have given me the strongest arms to hold me if I fell,” she added.
On August 19, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee’s report on harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry was made public.
Khushbu praised the women who championed this development and expressed her support for the victims of abuse and exploitation. She also questioned whether the Committee would be enough to bring about change.
“This moment when #MeToo is taking over our industry is breaking. Kudos to the women who stood their ground and emerged victorious. The #HemaComité was desperately needed to break the cycle of abuse. But will it? Abuse, asking for sexual favors and expecting women to compromise to gain a foothold or accelerate their careers exist in every field. Why is a woman expected to go through the grind alone? While men also face it, it is only marginally women who bear the burden,” the actor said in her post on Wednesday.
Reflecting on her personal experiences and conversations with her daughters, she said: “I had a long conversation with my 24-year-old and 21-year-old daughters about this topic. I was amazed at their empathy and understanding for the victims. They are steadfastly supporting them and standing by them on this issue.”
Khushbu urged victims to talk, as it would help them heal and investigate more effectively. “It doesn’t matter if you talk today or tomorrow, just talk,” she said.
“The fear of shaming, victim blaming, and questions like ‘Why did you do it?’ or ‘What made you do it?’ are breaking her. The victim may be a stranger to you or me, but she needs our support, a listening ear, and emotional support from all of us. When we ask why she didn’t come out sooner, we need to consider her circumstances – not everyone has the privilege to speak out,” she added.
In her call to action, Sundar called on men to show solidarity with the victims and stressed that support and respect for women must be a universal principle.
“To all the men out there, I implore you to stand with the victim and show your unwavering support. Every man was born of a woman who endured incredible pain and sacrifice. Many women play an indispensable role in raising you and shaping you into the person you are today – your mothers, sisters, aunts, teachers and friends,” she said.
“Let us understand that many women do not even have the support of their families. They come from small towns with stars in their eyes, hoping to shine brightly, but often their dreams are nipped in the bud and crushed,” Khushbu added.
She stressed the urgent need for change and encouraged women to stand up for themselves and reject any form of compromise on their dignity.
“This should be a wake-up call to EVERYONE. Let the exploitation stop here. Women, come out and speak. Remember, you always have a choice in life. Your NO is absolutely a NO. Never compromise or compromise on your dignity and respectability. EVER. I stand with all the women who have been through this. As a mother and as a woman,” Khushbu said.
The 235-page report of the Hema committee, which was released after redacting the names of witnesses and accused, claims that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by around 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who dominate and influence the industry. (ANI)