Kannada film industry urges govt to probe women’s safety – Telangana Today

The Film Industry Rights and Equality (FIRE) has asked the Karnataka government to set up a committee, headed by a retired judge, to study and report on sexual harassment in the Kannada film industry.

Bangalore: Following the impact the Hema Commission report had on the Malayalam film industry, the Kannada industry on Wednesday urged the Karnataka government to follow the same path.

The Film Industry Rights and Equality (FIRE) has asked the Karnataka government to set up a committee, headed by a retired judge, to study and report on sexual harassment in the Kannada film industry.

“The appointment of a retired commission headed by a judge to conduct a thorough investigation into the systemic issues faced by women in the Kannada film industry, including sexual harassment, is necessary,” FIRE said in a statement.

The group has called on the government to develop and recommend policies to ensure a healthy and fair working environment for all women in the sector.

The FIRE declaration – signed by 153 actresses, directors, male actors and film dignitaries from the Kannada film industry – is chaired by noted film director Kavitha Lankesh and lead actor and activist Chetan Ahimsa as its secretary.

“Following the Justice Hema Commission report, which highlights the systemic issues faced by women, including sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, FIRE urges the Karnataka government to take immediate action to address similar concerns within the Kannada film industry,” said Kavitha Lankesh.

She added that while FIRE has been instrumental in setting up India’s first-ever film industry Internal Complaints Committee in the Kannada film industry and advocating for survivors of sexual harassment from 2017 to date, the group recognizes that more comprehensive measures are needed to create a safe and fair work environment for all women in the industry. She said the committee can complete its investigation and submit its report within three months.

“We want the findings of the report to be made public as soon as possible,” she urged.

Chetan Ahimsa, the popular actor and activist, said that exploitation of women occurs in all sectors but it is horrendous in the film industry.

“This is because there will be no office and CCTVs. Usually there will be one or two women working among 50 to 100 men,” he said.

He said that in many places there are no toilet facilities or changing facilities for female artists. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president NM Suresh welcomed the development. “Any step that provides protection to female actors is welcome,” he said.